DECENTRALISED GOVERNANCE AND RURAL TRANSFORMATION: EVALUATING THE ROLE OF VILLAGE COUNCILS AND VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT BOARD IN NAGALAND

Abstract

Several indigenous groups, each with political systems and cultural customs, define the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland. As they lead local government and development, village councils play a critical role in upholding these customs. Village councils oversee social welfare, development projects, resource distribution, and dispute resolution. They serve as the cornerstone of grassroots governance. This article discusses village councils' critical role in rural development, emphasising their roles in government program management, customary law enforcement, and decision-making. The difficulties they encounter are also covered, such as the demands of modernisation, outside factors, and striking a balance between tradition and advancement. The rural communities of Nagaland have significantly benefited from the socioeconomic progress and cultural preservation of village councils, which are resilient and adaptable in the face of adversity.