Dimapur, April 9 (MExN): The Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) has expressed deep concern over the underutilisation of Nagaland Houses in major cities, citing cumbersome reservation procedures as a primary reason for poor occupancy and mounting financial deficits.
The federation, in a press release issued through its Media Cell said the Home Department's annual report for 2025-26 indicates that Nagaland Houses in New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Shillong are operating at a deficit.
DUCCF observed that one of the primary reasons for this shortfall is the difficulty faced by the general Naga public in accessing accommodation due to cumbersome and unnecessary reservation procedures.
“Obtaining bookings in Nagaland Houses involves multiple layers of formalities, lack of transparency, and delays, which discourages genuine beneficiaries,” the federation stated.
The DUCCF noted that many Nagas travelling for medical treatment, education, official work, or cultural purposes are being forced to seek accommodation in private guest houses and hotels at significantly higher costs.
“This situation is unfortunate, considering that Nagaland Houses were originally established to serve as accessible and affordable lodging facilities for the people of Nagaland, especially for patients, students, and those in need of temporary shelter outside the state,” it noted.
DUCCF urged the Government of Nagaland to simplify and streamline the reservation process, introduce an online booking system, ensure fair and equitable allocation of rooms, prioritising medical patients and students, and open the facilities to all Naga citizens without restrictive procedures.
The federation said that making Nagaland Houses more accessible would not only benefit the public but also improve occupancy rates and revenue, thereby reducing the financial deficits. It appealed to the concerned authorities to take “immediate and practical steps in the interest of the Naga people.”
