KOHIMA — In a strategic move to optimize governance and utilize the legislative experience of elected representatives, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio appointed five MLAs as advisors to various government departments on June 1. Along with these new appointments, the Chief Minister executed a portfolio reshuffle for existing legislators.
According to an official notification issued by Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, all new appointments and portfolio allocations have taken immediate effect. With this expansion, the total number of advisors in the Rio-led administration has risen to 29.
New Advisor Appointments & Portfolio Allocations
The newly appointed advisors have been assigned the following departments to oversee and assist:
- Kuzholuzo Nienu: Appointed as the advisor for the Science and Technology department.
- Puthai Longon: Entrusted with the charge of the Taxes department.
- Picto Shohe: Assigned to New and Renewable Energy, as well as the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Kikon: Given the responsibility of the Forest and Food Processing sectors.
Portfolio Reshuffles
The expansion also brought changes to the portfolios of existing legislative members:
- Nyushetho Nyuthe: Will continue his role as the advisor to the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority. Additionally, he has been given the oversight of Inland Waterways, while being officially relieved of his previous charge of New and Renewable Energy.
- Dolie Yimkhiung: The portfolios of this Assembly member were reshuffled, appointing him as the advisor to three departments: Information and Public Relations, Social Welfare, and Soil and Water Conservation.
Remuneration and Role Definition
The state government clarified that the primary role of these advisors is to provide suggestions and recommendations on matters referred to them by their respective departments before final decisions are officially taken by the ministers in charge.
Official Clause on Perks: The notification explicitly states that the advisors will not receive any additional salary, remuneration, allowances, or extra perks from the state government. Their financial entitlements remain strictly limited to what they are already authorized to receive as regular members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Political Significance of the Move
This administrative expansion carries notable political weight across the state for two major reasons:
- First Expansion Since 2023: This marks the very first expansion of advisors since the state concluded the 2023 Assembly elections.
- NPF Induction Following Merger: This is the first time that two MLAs from the Naga People’s Front (NPF)—Kuzholuzo Nienu and Kikon—have been inducted into the Rio administration. The move follows the NPF’s merger with the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) in October of last year.