In Nagaland, conservation is at the heart of entrepreneurship

In order to preserve Nagaland’s unique cultural, social and economic characteristics, Article 371A of the Indian constitution grants special provisions to the state. The act states that the central government won’t interfere in the religious and social practices of the Nagas, their customary laws and procedures, including civil and criminal justice matters, and ownership or transfer of land and resources, unless the state’s legislative assembly passes a resolution to do so.

One significant aspect of this provision is the protection of the traditional landholding system of Nagaland. The state follows a communal land ownership system, where land is owned and managed by tribal communities, clans and villages, or even privately held by individuals. However, all types of land are governed by village councils and other traditional institutions. This effectively shields the traditional landholding system from central or state interference.

This autonomy in governance also renders local self-governance more powerful in matters of land laws and biodiversity conservation. According to 2021 data, 71% of Nagaland lives in rural areas. So, village councils play a crucial role in planning and managing the economic and social development of the land and the flora and fauna.

Land system

Neichute Doulo is a social entrepreneur and founder of The Entrepreneurs Associates (tEA), a nonprofit that works on entrepreneurship, including…

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