Source: PIB
Why in news?
A tripartite agreement has been signed between the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland, and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) to establish the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA)—granting enhanced autonomy to six eastern districts of Nagaland.
What is the FNTA?
- An autonomous territorial governance structure within Nagaland (not a separate State).
- Designed to provide administrative, financial, and developmental autonomy to historically underdeveloped eastern districts.
- Represents a negotiated, democratic alternative to demands for separate statehood.
Districts Covered
- Tuensang
- Mon
- Kiphire
- Longleng
- Noklak
- Shamator
Aims of the Agreement
- Address long-standing political, economic, and developmental grievances of Eastern Nagaland.
- Enable local decision-making and equitable development.
- Strengthen peace, stability, and cooperative federalism in the North-East.
Key Features
1) Creation of FNTA
- Establishes a new territorial authority with functional autonomy for the six districts.
2) Devolution of Powers
- 46 subjects devolved to FNTA, enabling tailored planning and implementation (e.g., local development, infrastructure, social sectors).
3) Financial Autonomy
- Fixed annual allocation from the Centre.
- Development outlay shared proportionate to population and area.
- Initial establishment costs borne by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
4) Administrative Structure
- A mini-Secretariat for FNTA.
- Headed by an Additional Chief Secretary / Principal Secretary–level officer to ensure administrative capacity and coordination.
