Working on digitizing land revenue survey: Mannen

Advisor for law & justice and land revenue, TN Mannen, on Monday disclosed that he was working on conducting a digitalized land revenue survey in Nagaland. Mannen, however, said that many people misunderstood the constitutional protection of Landowners’ Rights under Article 371A.

Speaking at the inauguration of Axis Bank at ADC Court branch here on March 25, the advisor asserted that Article 371A protects landowners’ rights, but many individuals mistakenly believe that it guaranteed absolute landownership, which he maintained was not the case.

Mannen said individual landowners’ rights have become impediment to development, especially for establishing large industries. “Many individuals claim absolute ownership of land, which hinders progress,” advisor said and emphasized the need to educate the public about the issue.

Further, the advisor reiterated that he was going to conduct a land survey in a remote district with land survey improvements already started in Dimapur.

Mannen expressed hope that the areas would be properly streamlined, making it easier to pay land revenue, access loans, and handle legal matters more conveniently.

The advisor said that people could not take full advantage of banking facility because of non-availability of security. He expressed hope that the Naga people would better understand the needs and work to improve the situation.

Even without collateral, he said there were provisions for loans, such as mutual loans for tourism and other projects. Mannen expressed belief that banking institutions would help educate the people on how to make the most of those opportunities.

The advisor stressed the importance of making it clear to the Naga people that any loan, whether on specific conditions or not, must be repaid. He said it was crucial for not only banking institutions but also public leaders and the general public to recognise this responsibility.

“Without this understanding, there can be no economic development,” Mannen added.
He said Nagas should not focus their mind only on maintaining law and order and addressing insurgency issues, adding that as the people becoming more economically informed would lead to a better way of life.

Mannen also highlighted that while Nagas should not forget certain issues, the focus should be on economic development, both at the family and societal levels.

Asserting the goal of banking institutions was to support and promote economic growth, the advisor urged the people to take advantage of those services for individual and societal benefit.