Chumoukedima (Nagaland) [India], May 13 (HBTV): Nagaland Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Metsübo Jamir, has pointed to village councils as the key institutions responsible for protecting Article 371(A) and the Nagaland Village Council Act, 1978.
Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution provides special provisions for Nagaland to safeguard Naga customary laws, social and religious practices, and land ownership. It ensures that parliamentary laws on these matters do not apply unless approved by a resolution of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
The Nagaland Village Council Act, 1978 governs the formation, powers and functions of village councils across the state. It mandates that every recognised village must have a council to handle administrative, developmental and judicial responsibilities in line with customary practices.
Speaking at a seminar on the Article and the Act held in Mokokchung, Jamir expressed concern that many Nagas do not fully appreciate the significance of the state’s statehood, attained on December 1, 1963, and the constitutional protections that accompanied it.
He noted that statehood brought with it safeguards such as Article 371(A), the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, and income tax exemptions, all aimed at protecting the interests of the Naga people, their land and resources.
Jamir said, 'Repealing Article 371(A) will bring in an influx of outsiders into Nagaland.'
He lamented that despite the sacrifices and foresight of earlier generations, many people today fail to value these protections. Referring to land-related issues, he criticised the reluctance to part with land for developmental projects, stating that progress is often stalled due to hesitation in making land available.
On the issue of income tax exemption, the Minister remarked that while Nagaland benefits from taxpayer funds collected across the country, the state frequently raises concerns about inadequate central assistance. He urged the Ao community to 'move away from dependency and work towards self-reliance and self-sustenance.'
(Inputs from the Morung Express)