The selection process for Village Council Members for 2026-2031 has been initiated across Nagaland.
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DIMAPUR — The process for the selection of village council members (VCMs) for the next tenure (2026–2031) has been initiated across Nagaland, with directives issued to recognised villages in Dimapur, Noklak, and Tseminyu districts.
Dimapur: In Dimapur, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner has issued a notification directing all recognised villages under the district to initiate the process for the selection of VCMs.
According to a DIPR report, the selection process is to be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Nagaland Village and Tribal Councils Act, 1978, and the Nagaland Village and Area Councils Rules, 1979, while adhering to the prevailing customary practices of the respective villages.
Also read: Nagaland notifies process to reconstitute village councils for 2026–2031
All concerned villages have been instructed to ensure that the selection process is conducted strictly as per the prescribed rules and regulations. The proposed list of newly selected VCMs is to be submitted to the DC’s office on or before April 15 in the prescribed format.
The prescribed format requires details such as the name of the village, date of the village meeting, and a list of selected members along with their personal details, signatures, or thumb impressions.
Villages are also required to enclose documents, including meeting proceedings and attendance records, along with certification by the head GB confirming that the selection was conducted in accordance with customary practices and legal provisions.
Noklak: In Noklak, DC P Mono Khiamniungan has issued a notification referring to the Nagaland Village and Area Council Rules, 1979, directing all recognised villages under the district to select new village council members in accordance with prevailing customary practices and usages.
The notification stated that the entire process of the selection of new village council members must be completed before April 15 for onwards submission to the government. The proposed list should be submitted to the DC’s office through the concerned area administrative officers within the stipulated time.
Tseminyu: In Tseminyu, consequent to the tenure of the village councils coming to an end, DC Japheth Woch, in exercise of the power under Rule 3 of the Nagaland Village Council and Area Council Rules, 1979, has notified all recognised villages under the district for the selection of new village council members for the tenure 2026-2031.
It further informed that the village councils under Tseminyu district shall stand dissolved with immediate effect, and the head GB shall assume charge of the village administration until the constitution of the new village council.
The entire process of selection must be completed before April 25 for onwards submission to the government. The proposed list of members of the newly constituted village councils shall be submitted to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner through their respective area administration officer.