DUCCF urges overhaul of Nagaland Houses booking system, citing low occupancy, revenue losses and difficult access for citizens across cities
Share
DIMAPUR — The Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) has called for an overhaul of the reservation system in Nagaland Houses across major cities, citing cumbersome procedures that it said restrict access for citizens and contribute to low occupancy and revenue shortfalls.
In a statement, the federation expressed concern that Nagaland Houses in cities such as New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Shillong are operating at a deficit despite significant government expenditure.
The DUCCF attributed the situation to difficulties faced by the general Naga public in accessing accommodation due “cumbersome and unnecessary reservation procedures.”
According to the federation, obtaining accommodation involves multiple layers of formalities, lack of clarity and delays, which discourage genuine users.
As a result, many Nagas travelling for medical treatment, education, official work or cultural purposes are forced to seek accommodation in private facilities at higher costs.
Also read: Lost in translation? Sümi body seeks recall of ‘blasphemous’ Bible
It reminded that Nagaland Houses were originally established to provide accessible and affordable lodging, particularly for patients, students and those in need of temporary accommodation, and described the present situation as “unfortunate”.
The federation urged the government to simplify and streamline the reservation process to ensure transparent and equitable access for all Naga citizens.
Among its suggestions, DUCCF proposed the introduction of a user-friendly booking system, including online reservation facilities, and prioritisation of genuine cases such as medical patients and students.
It also called for opening up access to all Naga citizens without restrictive procedures, subject to availability.
The DUCCF maintained that improving accessibility would increase occupancy and revenue generation, helping reduce the current financial deficit.
The concerns come in the backdrop of figures highlighted in the Home department’s annual administrative report for 2025–26, which indicate a significant gap between expenditure and revenue in several Nagaland Houses.
In New Delhi, where two Nagaland Houses are located at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road and RK Puram, the budget allocation for 2025–26 was INR 714.43 lakh, while revenue generated between April 1 and December 31, 2025 stood at INR 32.16 lakh.
In Kolkata, which also has two Nagaland Houses at Salt Lake and Shakespeare Sarani, the budget allocation was INR 4.88 crore, while revenue collection from April to October 2025 stood at INR 84.72 lakh.
In Guwahati, revenue from April 2024 to March 2025 included INR 24.60 lakh from seat rent, INR 16.84 lakh from the medical lodge, INR 3.98 lakh from ILP and INR 1.25 lakh from kitchen catering, although no budget allocation details were provided.
Similarly, in Shillong, revenue generated from room rent, ILP and kitchen rent from April 2025 to date stood at INR 16.10 lakh, with no budget allocation details specified.
The federation appealed to the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to address the issue in the interest of the public.