President Approves FNTA Bill 2026

Why Is It in News?

On 25 October 2026, President Droupadi Murmu granted assent to the FNTA Bill, 2026, which was unanimously passed by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on 3 September 2026. The Bill aims to strengthen decentralised governance and address development needs in eastern Nagaland.

About

The Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) is a proposed regional self-governance body for six districts of eastern Nagaland. Its formation follows a Memorandum of Agreement signed on 5 February 2026 by the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO).

The Authority is intended to promote decentralised administration, inclusive development and the social, economic, educational, cultural and linguistic aspirations of the region.

Key Points

1. President: Droupadi Murmu.
2. Bill: Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill, 2026.
3. State Assembly: Nagaland Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Bill on 3 September 2026.
4. Agreement Date: 5 February 2026.
5. Signatories to the Agreement: Government of India, Government of Nagaland and Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO).
6. Districts Covered: Tuensang, Mon, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak and Shamator.
7. Objective: Decentralised regional self-governance and equitable development.
8. Proposed Composition: 62 members, including 40 directly elected members, 2 nominated members and 20 ex-officio MLAs without voting rights.
9. Women’s Representation: One-third of the elected seats are reserved for women.
10. Important Note: Presidential assent does not automatically mean the Authority has begun functioning. The Act will come into force on the date notified by the Nagaland Government in the Official Gazette.