Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio addresses the gathering during the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference 2026 held at the Civil Secretariat in Kohima on April 10. (DIPR Photo)
Deputy Commissioners’ Conference 2026 underway
Kohima, April 10 (MExN): The two-day Deputy Commissioners’ Conference 2026 began at the Civil Secretariat in Kohima on Friday, bringing together district administrators and senior officials to deliberate on key governance and development issues in Nagaland.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, in his keynote address, said the conference was timely to reflect on both traditional and emerging responsibilities of DCs in a dynamic governance landscape. He said core functions such as law and order, revenue administration, elections, census and supervision of local governance remain “fundamental and non-negotiable”.
He, however, noted that the role of DCs has expanded to include implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes, disaster management, grievance redressal and inter-departmental coordination, evolving from a regulatory to a facilitative, development-oriented position with focus on last-mile delivery.
Stressing citizen-centric, technology-driven and outcome-oriented governance, Rio said DCs must balance law and order with development administration. He described them as key links between government and people, ensuring convergence across departments and inclusive governance.
The chief minister highlighted reforms such as the Nagaland Staff Selection Board for merit-based recruitment and the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative to boost livelihoods. He said the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission has become demand-driven, aligned with sectors like construction, hospitality, transport and IT-enabled services.
He added that skilling programmes are now linked to employment through job fairs and partnerships. As of February 2026, over 73,000 applicants are registered on the Live Register, with initiatives like Nagaland Japan Connect 2026 and the state-wide Mega Job Fair enhancing placements. More than 450 youth have registered under the Japan initiative, with 65 receiving recruitment intent in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and shipping.
Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen said DC meetings are regularly held under the Commissioner, Nagaland, but the extended conference was convened in view of the upcoming Census to address broader governance issues. He noted DCs’ expanded role in implementing schemes and leading programmes like the Micro Finance Initiative and the Skill Mission, while ADCs, as CEOs of urban local bodies, are also participating to address issues like solid waste management.
He said the conference aims to sensitise officials on key issues and incorporate field-level inputs into policy decisions, with the second half dedicated to Census discussions.
The inaugural session was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, AHoDs, DCs, ADCs and officials, while Commissioner Nagaland Gregory Thejawelie delivered the vote of thanks.
Sessions covered issues including a National Green Tribunal case (OA 606/2018), Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 under Swachh Bharat Mission, and amendments to customary courts under the Rules for Administration of Justice and Police in Nagaland (Fifth Amendment) Act, 2025. Discussions also focused on skilling, the Micro Finance Initiative, and land acquisition under the RFCTLARR Act and National Highways Act, 1956.
The second day will deliberate on RIIN, Inner Line Permit, border affairs, and “Viksit Nagaland for Viksit Bharat 2047”, along with a state-level conference on Census of India 2027 and the role of DCs in effective implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes.
