The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, has issued a notification directing all recognized villages under the district to initiate the process for the selection of Village Council Members (VCMs) for the next tenure (2026–2031).
According to the notification, the selection process is to be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Nagaland Village and Tribal Councils Act, 1978 and the Nagaland Village and Area Councils Rules, 1979, while adhering to prevailing customary practices of the respective villages.
All concerned villages have been instructed to ensure that the selection process is conducted strictly as per the prescribed rules and regulations. The proposed list of newly selected VCMs is to be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner’s office on or before April 15, 2026, in the prescribed format.
The prescribed format for submission requires details such as the name of the village, date of the village meeting, and a list of selected members along with their personal details, signatures, or thumb impressions. Villages are also required to enclose documents including meeting proceedings and attendance records, along with certification by the Head GB confirming that the selection was conducted in accordance with customary practices and legal provisions.

(Tovikali, IA Dimapur)