Kohima, Jun 1: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday appointed five MLAs as advisors to various departments.
He also reshuffled the portfolios of another legislator.
According to a notification issued by Cabinet Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen here, the appointments and allocation were made with immediate effect to utilise the “vast and practical experience” of the legislators for the benefit of the people.
The newly appointed advisors are Kuzholuzo Nienu for Science and Technology, Puthai Longon for Taxes, Picto Shohe for New and Renewable Energy and Achumbemo Kikon for SCERT and Food Processing.
Nyusietho Nyuthen retained Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority and was also given Inland Waterways, but was relieved of New and Renewable Energy, the notification said.
The youngest member of the Assembly, Daochier I Imchen, was appointed as advisor to the Information and Public Relations, and Soil and Water Conservation departments.
The notification stated that the advisors would render their views and suggestions on matters referred to them by the departments concerned before final decisions are taken by the respective ministers-in-charge.
It also clarified that the advisors would not be entitled to any pay, salary, emoluments, remuneration or additional perks from the state government beyond what is admissible to them as members of the Nagaland Assembly.
With the fresh appointments, the total number of advisors in the Rio cabinet has increased to 29.
This was the first time that additional appointments were made in the cabinet since the 2023 assembly elections.
This was also the first time that two NPF MLAs — Nienu and Kikon – were inducted into the Rio cabinet following the party’s merger with the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) in October last year. (PTI)
