Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio says bringing land under the Sadar system needs further study, citing legal and administrative concerns raised in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Share
KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday said that areas brought under Sadar jurisdiction could be surveyed and converted into land pattas, but the matter involves administrative and legal considerations that require further study.
Replying to a starred question raised by MLA Nuklutsohi during the eighth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Rio said Sadar areas generally refer to urban zones with significant population and economic activity, where administrative authorities could issue land pattas. However, he noted that Nagaland’s constitutional protections relating to land require careful examination of the issue.
He stated that whoever wishes to come under Sadar jurisdiction for purposes of survey and patta issuance may be permitted, subject to administrative and legal clarity. He also referred to the need to discuss legal provisions such as the SARFAESI Act in the context of business and land use, noting that banks are often reluctant to cooperate as land in Nagaland cannot be mortgaged to outsiders.
14th NLA updates: Governor Bhalla reaffirms commitment to early Naga political solution; special FNTA legislation planned
Amid teacher protests in Nagaland, advisor flags high education salary burden
“There are sensitive areas… this needs further studies and the question raised is very pertinent. I think we should have more clarity on this,” Rio said.
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Yanthungo Patton informed the House that there are 15 Sadar areas in Nagaland and that Mokokchung is among the districts that have not submitted a proposal. He appealed to the district administration to forward a proposal, stating that the government would examine and take up the issue upon receipt.
Patton said Sadar areas are defined based on administrative necessity, usually covering populated and commercially active zones requiring closer supervision for governance and maintenance of law and order.
MLA Nuklutsohi said that despite being a district headquarters, Mokokchung does not have a Sadar administrative jurisdiction. He stated that creation of a Sadar area would improve service delivery, expedite land, judicial and development matters, and allow issuance of land pattas in consultation with village bodies.
He further opined that bringing areas under Sadar jurisdiction could help create an inclusive financial system by enabling land to be used as collateral for bank loans, thereby benefiting young entrepreneurs.