Nagaland Govt Issues New Guidelines For Issuance Of Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate

In a significant step towards safeguarding the indigenous population, Nagaland Government has issued new guidelines for the issuance of Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate (IIC). The criteria were approved by the Neiphiu

In a significant step towards safeguarding the indigenous population, Nagaland Government has issued new guidelines for the issuance of Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate (IIC).

The criteria were approved by the Neiphiu Rio Cabinet on September 12th and has come into force with effect from September 20.

The Notification states that the new criteria have been laid down “to protect and safeguard the interests of the indigenous inhabitants of the State” and taking into account the recommendations made by the Commission on Register of Indigenous Inhabitant of Nagaland (RIIN).

As per the notification, IIC of Nagaland can only be issued to citizens belonging to any one of the 15 (fifteen) recognized Naga Tribes, namely, Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Konyak, Khiamniungan, Lotha, Pochury, Phom, Rengma, Sumi, Sangtam, Tikhir, Yimkhiung, Zeliang, with Kachari, Kuki, Garo and Mikir (Karbi) Tribes, who are resident in the State as notified vide The Constitution (Nagaland) Scheduled Tribes Order, 1970. These 15 tribes are considered as Indigenous Inhabitant of Nagaland, provided that the person can trace their antecedents to a recognized village in Nagaland.

Another key takeaway of the new guidelines is that newly born children of Indigenous Inhabitants must apply for registration within 6 (six) months of the date of birth in the requisite Application form along with the Birth Certificate and copy of IIC of the parents. The unique registration number must be quoted when applying for an Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate later, when required.

Besides, submission or authentication of false information by the applicant or any community-based authority for the issue of Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate will be tantamount to a criminal offence, the notification stated.

The certificate of the applicant if issued on false claims will be cancelled and any benefits accrued on its basis will also be cancelled. The members of the Village Verification Committee that authenticated the false claims shall also be penalised by being removed from office and shall be debarred from holding any office for 5 (five) years.

Not only this, government servants under whose charge such an offence is detected shall be liable for disciplinary action.

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