Nagaland village councils seek financial allocation from 16th Finance Commission

DIMAPUR — The village councils in Nagaland have submitted a memorandum to the 16th Finance Commission, requesting financial allocation for their operations.

The memorandum was presented on behalf of the state’s village councils by Ao Sanen Pongen, Chairman of Chuchuyimlang Village Council, during a meeting with the visiting Finance Commission on Tuesday at Hotel Vivor.

According to press release, the memorandum proposed that the Finance Commission allocate a consolidated annual fund to village councils for general administration, including office maintenance, transportation for government directives, contingencies, and other expenses. It also suggested providing monthly honorariums to the chairmen and members of the village councils.

The memorandum highlighted the statutory status of village councils recognised by the Nagaland government, citing the ratification and implementation of the Nagaland Village Councils Act, 1978. It stated that, beyond internal governance, village councils function as government functionaries in their respective villages, implementing government policies, directives, and general activities across various departments, particularly those under the communitisation programme.

Emphasising that village councils have been rendering voluntary service to both the government and the public since their inception in the state, without receiving any financial allocation, the memorandum requested financial grants, to enhance their ability to serve effectively.

The press release stated that five village council chairmen representing five districts attended the meeting: Ao Sanen Pongen (Chuchuyimlang Village Council, Mokokchung), Keduolhoulie Houzha (Mereima Village Council, Kohima), Noklem Konyak (Tizit Village Council, Mon), Vandan Erui (Wokha Village Council, Wokha), and Khuniho Ayemi (Khuniho Village Council, Zunheboto).