There are special provisions in the Village Development Board (VDB) system in Nagaland to ensure that women and youth are not left behind but are active drivers of progress.
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The Village Development Board (VDB) system in Nagaland stands as one of the most unique grassroots governance models in India. Established under the Nagaland Village and Area Council Act, 1978 and guided by the VDB Model Rules, 1980, the VDB is designed to ensure that development begins from the village itself—by the people and for the people.
At its core, every villager is a member of the VDB General Body, making it a democratic platform where decisions on development, funds, and welfare are taken collectively. However, within this structure, special provisions have been made to ensure that women and youth are not left behind but are active drivers of progress.
One of the most progressive features of the VDB system is the clear allocation of funds. A total of 25% of VDB funds are reserved for women, while 20% are earmarked for youth. The remaining 55% is used for general village development. This allocation is not merely symbolic—it represents a legal and policy-backed commitment to inclusive growth.
In addition, at least 25% representation for women in the VDB Management Committee is mandated, ensuring that women are part of decision-making processes and not just beneficiaries. Together, women and youth influence nearly 45% of village development resources, making their participation not just important, but essential for sustainable and inclusive grassroots development.
The framework is already in place—the rights are defined, the funds are allocated, and the space for participation is secured. What remains is the will to act. Women and youth must step forward, attend meetings, demand transparency, and actively shape decisions that impact their future. Grassroots governance can only be truly democratic when those who hold nearly half the developmental stake use their voice with confidence and unity. The time is not to wait, but to engage, question, and lead—because real change in Nagaland will not come from above, it will rise from within its villages.
Zato Sumi
(The writer is President of National People's Youth Front—NPYF--Dimapur District)