Kohima

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday appointed five MLAs as advisors to various departments and reshuffled the portfolios of another legislator in a move aimed at utilising the lawmakers’ experience for public welfare.

According to a notification issued by the state government, the newly appointed advisors are:

• Kuzholuzo Nienu – Advisor for Science and Technology
• Puthai Longon – Advisor for Taxes
• Picto Shohe – Advisor for New and Renewable Energy
• Achumbemo Kikon – Advisor for SCERT and Food Processing
• Daochier I Imchen – Advisor for Information and Public Relations, and Soil and Water Conservation

Meanwhile, Nyusietho Nyuthen will continue to oversee the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority and has additionally been assigned Inland Waterways, while being relieved of the New and Renewable Energy portfolio.

The notification clarified that advisors will provide suggestions and views on matters referred to them by departments before final decisions are taken by the concerned ministers. They will not receive any additional salary, remuneration or perks beyond what they are entitled to as members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

With these appointments, the number of advisors in the Rio-led cabinet has risen to 29. This marks the first expansion of advisory positions since the 2023 Assembly elections.

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The move is also significant as it marks the first induction of two former members of the Naga People's Front — Kuzholuzo Nienu and Achumbemo Kikon — into the government setup after the party merged with the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party in October 2025.