Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, officially inaugurated the New Administrative Complex at Pughoboto in the presence of the Minister for Roads & Bridges, G Kaito Aye; the Minister for Rural Development, Metsubo Jamir; Sumi legislators; Advisors; MLAs; and a host of senior government officials on 16 October 2024. In conjunction with the New Administrative Complex, the Chief Minister inaugurated the offices of the EE PWD (R&B), the Functional Manager of Sub-DIC, and the Assistant Public Relation Officer, while other departments are also expected to relocate their offices to the new complex, making it a hub of administrative activity.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the first-ever branch of the State Bank of India (SBI) for the subdivision at Pughoboto Town and the GB’s Customary Court under the aegis of the Sumi Aphuyemi Kukami Hoho (SAKH).
In his inaugural speech, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed congratulations and appreciation to the administration and the public of Pughoboto for showing resilience and sincere dedication towards the region’s development. He highlighted the historical importance of the Pughoboto region and the Sumi Aphuyemis, who have pioneered and produced exemplary leadership and achievements in the state. He urged the youth of the region to follow suit and encouraged officials in the subdivision to proactively participate and share acquired knowledge and skills with the community. He stressed the importance of cooperation and support between public officials and the public to achieve overall development.
The Chief Minister also encouraged young people to pursue government services through the various state examinations and interviews, as well as to seek entrepreneurial opportunities through the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMFI). Speaking on the importance of healthcare, Rio highlighted the success of the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) and urged the public to reap the benefits of such government services. He encouraged the Sumi people, known as the ‘Warrior Tribe’ of Nagaland, to become ‘Warriors of Peace’ and to stand together for unity and brotherhood, fostering peace, progress, and prosperity for all.
MLA Dr Sukhato A Sema praised Nagaland’s Chief Minister for his dynamic leadership, which has led to tangible benefits in governance. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, Deputy CMs, Cabinet Ministers, Advisors, MLAs, and bureaucrats for their timely payment of land compensation to donors from Mishilimi and Lazami villages.
Sema highlighted that the opening of the State Bank of India in Pughoboto will enhance accessible banking services and boost the local economy. He noted that residents will soon benefit from the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Scheme (PEGS) and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
Regarding the establishment of the Sümi Aphuyemi Kükami Hoho (SAKH) “GB’s Customary Court” in line with the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiyam (BSN), 2023, Sema emphasized that it will preserve community traditions and empower courts to recognize customary rights, reinforcing the socio-cultural identity of the Sumi people.
ADC Tiameren Chang described the New Administrative Complex as a symbol of growth and innovation that will enhance public service efficiency. He acknowledged the Chief Minister and other leaders for their contributions, particularly Dr Sema and former MLA Y Vikheho Swu. Chang also thanked the public, especially the residents of Mishilimi and Lazami, for their support and for providing land for the complex.
Advocate Joshua Sheqi also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, requesting the upgradation of EAC Ghathashi to SDO (C), the establishment of EAC headquarters for the KT area at Chisholimi village and for the Asukiqa area at Asukiqa town, a sub-treasury office at Pughoboto town, a full-fledged Pughoboto Town Council, and an RD block in Asukiqa to serve the Puhukito and Asukiqa areas.
During the inauguration event, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio released The Image, a booklet compiled by Dr Sukhato A Sema, Ngukato K Tsuipu, and Bovito Kiho. The booklet highlights key initiatives and achievements from Dr Sema’s tenure as an MLA (March 2023 – October 2024) and offers valuable insights into the Pughoboto Subdivision, showcasing its unique characteristics, cultural heritage, and developmental needs.
About Pughoboto
The inauguration of the New Administrative Complex marks a significant milestone for the people of Pughoboto, also known as the Sumi Aphuyemi, which literally translates to “the first settlers.” The Sumis first settled in this part of the land before migrating to various parts of Zunheboto District in the 15th century.
The Pughoboto Sub-Divisional Headquarters was first established in 1943 with the aim of starting a school on Natsumi Village land, where there were many Pughobo Trees. In Sümi, “Pughobo” refers to the tree “Quercus” (Oak Tree Family), hence the place came to be called Pughoboto. In 1945, a school was established at Natsumi Village, which was later moved to the present Pughoboto Government Higher Secondary School in 1948 to provide education to neighboring villages, including Saptiqa. Mishilimi Village donated four cycles of Jhum field for the establishment of Pughoboto Town.
In 1948, Pughoboto became an administrative headquarters with the establishment of a Bench Court, with Khakhu Dighali as the chairman. In 1958, it was upgraded to Area Superintendent, with Tuyi Mokhogho serving in that role, and was further upgraded to a Circle Office with Chetri as the Circle Officer. It became an EAC and SDO (C) headquarters in 1973 and 1982, respectively. The long-awaited dream was finally realized when it was ultimately upgraded to a full-fledged Sub-Division in 1986, with HK Khulu, IAS, as the first ADC.
Pughoboto is one of the oldest Sub-Divisions in the state, with 24 government-recognized villages and the status of a separate Election District since 1987. It has had a separate Sub-Division Planning Development Board (SDPDB) since 2012. The Sub-Division is divided into two administrative circles, namely Pughoboto and Ghathashi, which encompass four ranges: Puhokito Range, Asukiqa Range, Ghathashi Range, and Khucho Tsuyi (KT) Range.