Dimapur: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday asked the DCs of the state to view their roles not merely as administrators, but as drivers of transformation.
In his keynote address on the first day of the two-day DCs’ conference 2026 at the civil secretariat conference hall in Kohima, Rio said the conference was timely to reflect on both the traditional and emerging responsibilities of DCs in an increasingly dynamic governance landscape.
He noted that core functions such as maintaining law and order, revenue administration, conduct of elections, census operations and supervision of local governance systems continue to remain fundamental and non-negotiable.
Rio stated that the role of DCs has significantly expanded over time to include effective implementation of centrally sponsored schemes, disaster management, grievance redressal and coordination among multiple departments.
He pointed out that the position has evolved from being primarily regulatory to becoming facilitative and development-oriented, with a strong focus on ensuring last-mile delivery of welfare programmes.
Emphasising the changing nature of governance, Rio said it is now more citizen-centric, technology-driven and outcome-oriented, placing DCs at the forefront of service delivery.
He stressed the need for maintaining a balance between ensuring law and order and promoting development administration, stating that both are equally important for effective governance.
Highlighting the role of DCs at the district level, he said they lead various committees and coordination platforms, ensure convergence across departments, and act as a vital link between the government and the people, making governance more responsive and inclusive.
Rio also underscored the state government’s commitment to transparency and meritocracy, citing the establishment of the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) to ensure fair recruitment for Group-C posts.
He further highlighted initiatives such as the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance initiative as part of broader structural reforms aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting inclusive growth.