Presidential Assent to the Frontier Nagaland Authority Bill

On October 25, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu approved the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill, 2026. The bill aims to provide greater administrative autonomy to the six eastern districts of Nagaland.

Key Highlights

Assembly Approval: The Nagaland Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the FNTA Bill on September 3, 2026.
Objective of the Authority: FNTA is proposed to enhance decentralized self-governance, regional development, and public participation in local decision-making across Eastern Nagaland's six districts.
Six Districts: Its jurisdiction covers Tuensang, Mon, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak, and Shamator.
Constitutional Basis: The arrangement aligns with the spirit of Article 371A of the Constitution. The special constitutional protections granted to Nagaland remain intact.
Administrative Powers: The proposed authority will be granted legislative, executive, and financial powers over 46 subjects, including agriculture, health, education, rural development, and tourism.
Structure of the Authority: FNTA will consist of 62 members, including 40 elected representatives, 20 ex-officio MLAs, and 2 members nominated by the Governor.
Women's Reservation: One-third of the 40 elected seats will be reserved for women. Ex-officio MLAs will not have voting rights.
Tripartite Agreement: On February 5, 2026, a tripartite agreement was reached between the Central Government, the Nagaland Government, and the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) to create the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) to grant greater administrative and financial autonomy to the six eastern districts.