The conflicts between the village councils and village development boards in the State were disapproved by the Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday.

By such reports, projects get stalled and distribution of funds gets delayed at the village level, he said.

Rio said that unity and cooperation is important at the village council level, and the village councils should work in unity and refrain from taking disputes to the High Court.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the new Kigwema Village Council hall building at Kigwema village in Kohima district. He emphasized the roles of the village councils in the Naga context.

He said respecting the Naga customary laws; the Indian Constitution has exempted the State from Panchayati Raj Institution.

The customary laws and traditions of the Nagas are needed to be protected, upheld and practiced, the CM said.
The leaders in the village council system are nominated when the village council members give their approval, he reminded.

Due to incorrect and lack of compatibility in arranging the census in the past, the State Government has to face difficulties in planning, Rio expressed, which has increased appointment of teachers and the setting up of government schools with a disproportionate student-teacher ratio.

Schools with zero pass percentage in the last 3-4 years and with no students will be merged with other schools, he said.

To avoid voting fraudulent, Aadhar based biometric systems need to be used in the election process.

Modern farming methods were in need along with self-sufficiency in food production, Rio highlighted.

Acknowledging the necessity of education in development, Rio asked the youths to explore the agriculture and allied sectors.