Understanding Eastern Nagaland's journey towards equity and growth through constitutional reforms

The Human Development Index (HDI) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent global benchmarks for human progress, emphasizing equality, sustainability, and individual well-being alongside economic growth.

- DR. ANIRUDDHA BABAR*

However, these aspirations remain elusive in Eastern Nagaland, a region characterized by systemic neglect and governance failures despite being part of a sovereign state under India's federal structure.

The glaring underdevelopment in this region, evident in persistent poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and poor access to essential services, underscores deeper constitutional and developmental injustices that violate the principles of equity and justice enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

Eastern Nagaland, comprising Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak, and Shamator districts, is one of India's most underdeveloped regions. Despite Nagaland's special constitutional status under Article 371A, which accords autonomy to safeguard its social and cultural/traditional practices, the governance structure has failed to address the disparities within the state.

Marginalized Naga tribes in the eastern region face severe deficits in health, education, civic amenities, and infrastructure, starkly contrasting the relatively developed central and urban districts. The failure to bridge these gaps raises critical questions about the state's adherence to constitutional obligations under the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs), particularly those mandating the promotion of social and economic justice for all citizens.

The principle of "leaving no one behind," central to the SDGs, has yet to be realized in Eastern Nagaland. Basic rights such as access to healthcare, education, electricity, and potable water-guaranteed by the Constitution as components of a dignified life-remain inaccessible to large segments of the region's population.

This neglect reflects systemic inequality, challenging the state's commitment to achieving both constitutional and international development goals.