Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday appointed five legislators as advisors to various departments and reshuffled the portfolios of another legislator in a move aimed at utilising the experience of elected representatives in governance.
With the latest appointments, the number of advisors in the Rio-led Cabinet has increased to 29.
Among the newly appointed advisors, Kuzholuzo Nienu was assigned the Science and Technology department, while Puthai Longon was given charge of Taxes. Picto Shohe was appointed advisor for New and Renewable Energy and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, while Kikon was entrusted with Forest and Food Processing.
The appointments and portfolio allocations came into immediate effect with an official notification issued by the Chief Secretary S. Imchen.
The notification stated that Nyushetho Nyuthe would continue as advisor to the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority and would additionally oversee Inland Waterways. However, he was relieved of the New and Renewable Energy portfolio.
The portfolios of Assembly member Dolie Yimkhiung were also reshuffled and has been appointed advisor to the Information and Public Relations, Social Welfare, and Soil and Water Conservation departments.
The advisors would provide suggestions and recommendations on matters referred to them by the respective departments before final decisions are taken by the ministers concerned.
However, the advisors would not receive any salary, remuneration, allowances or additional perks from the state government beyond what they are entitled to as members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
The development is significant as it marks the first expansion of advisors since the 2023 Assembly elections. It is also the first time that two MLAs from the Naga People’s Front (NPF)—Kuzholuzo Nienu and Kikon—have been inducted into the Rio government following the party’s merger with the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) in October last year.
