Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA).

Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA).

Recently , a landmark tripartite agreement was signed in New Delhi between the Government of India, the Nagaland state government, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO). This agreement facilitates the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA).

Key Administrative Structure:

The FNTA is established as a specialized administrative body within the state of Nagaland:

• Geographical Coverage: It will oversee six specific districts: Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, and Shamator.
• Mini-Secretariat: The authority will feature its own mini-secretariat.
• Leadership: The secretariat will be headed by an official with the rank of Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary.

Devolution of Powers:

The agreement ensures significant autonomy for the Eastern Nagaland region:

• Subject Jurisdiction: Powers regarding 46 specific subjects will be devolved to the FNTA.
• Financial Autonomy: The agreement grants the region legislative, executive, and financial autonomy to enhance decision-making.
• Resource Allocation: Development outlays for the region will be shared proportional to its population and land area.

Strategic Objectives:

The primary goals of forming the FNTA include:

• Accelerated Development: Focus on rapid infrastructure growth and economic empowerment for the six eastern districts.
• Conflict Resolution: Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the move as a major step toward ending long-standing disputes in Nagaland.
• Resource Utilization: Promoting optimum utilization of resources within the region.