Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority: A Steps Towards Inclusive Development & Governance

Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA): A landmark tripartite agreement was signed in New Delhi by the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA). The agreement represents a significant development in addressing long-standing demands for a peaceful and prosperous North East to enhance governance and equitable development in Eastern Nagaland, while staying within India’s constitutional framework.

The tripartite Agreement paves way for the formation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority(FNTA) for Six districts of Nagaland The FNTA was created to address the long standing political, economic and developmental grievances of Nagaland. It is aimed to ensure equitable development, local decision making and financial autonomy and a peaceful and prosperous Northeast. 

Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority(FNTA):

The Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) is an autonomous administrative body established within the State of Nagaland to provide enhanced local governance for six districts in the eastern region of Nagaland. The authority is the outcome of a historic tripartite agreement between the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland, and The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO). Under this arrangement:

• The FNTA will cover six eastern districts such as Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator.
• It will be empowered with the devolution of powers related to 46 administrative and development subjects, enabling localized decision-making.
• A dedicated mini-Secretariat will be established to manage its functions, headed by an Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary.
• The agreement explicitly ensures that the creation of FNTA does not affect the provisions of Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India, which provides special protections to the State of Nagaland. 

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Why Was FNTA Created?

The establishment of FNTA responds to long-standing concerns and development people of Eastern region of Nagaland. Historically, this region has felt that development initiatives and administrative attention have not kept pace with areas in other parts of the state. Over many years, the ENPO campaigned for greater autonomy and even a separate administrative identity originally seeking statehood to bridge the gaps in governance and growth in the region.

However through sustained dialogue and delibration involving the Union Government, the Nagaland Government and ENPO representatives, a consensus was reached that balances the need for responsive local governance with the territorial integrity of Nagaland and the constitutional framework of India. 

What is ENPO? 

The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) is an apex civil body representing eight major Naga tribes residing in Eastern region of Nagaland. It acts as a collective platform to articulate regional concerns related to developmental issues, governance, and political representation. ENPO has played a key role in sustained dialogue with the Nagaland Government and the Government of India, leading to the agreement for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority through constitutional and democratic means.

Significance of the FNTA: 

• Localised governance and decision making by devolving powers over 46 subjects to the authority, FNTA empowers local leaders and communities to tailor policies and developmental initiatives to regional needs improving responsiveness and efficiency.

• Financial autonomy and development focus, the agreement ensures annual allocations and budgetary support  assigned proportionally based on population and area which aimed at accelerating infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic development in Eastern Nagaland.

• The arrangement provieds consititutional safegaurds under Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution a special protections related to customary laws, land ownership and social practices in Nagaland remain unaffected.

• Strengthening peace and stability by settling long-standing governance grievances through dialogue and constitutional processes, the agreement reinforces trust between communities, state and central institutions. This contributes positively to peace and stability in the broader Northeast region.

The Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) marks a historic and developmental governance model that respects regional aspirations while safeguarding constitutional norms of the country and state integrity through shared decision-making powers, financial autonomy and focused administrative structures, the FNTA aims to usher in an era of inclusive growth and empowered local governance for Eastern Nagaland. 

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