NSCW organised a state-level consultation to review the Nagaland Money Lenders Act, 2005 at the SIRD conference hall in Kohima on July 17. (Photo Courtesy: NSCW)
Dimapur, July 17 (MExN): The Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) on Friday organised a state-level consultation to review the Nagaland Money Lenders Act, 2005, with a specific focus on safeguarding women from exploitative lending practices and strengthening regulatory mechanisms.
The consultation, mandated by the National Commission for Women (NCW), was held at the SIRD conference hall in Kohima in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department and other key stakeholders. It aims to generate actionable recommendations for a gender-sensitive amendment to the existing law.
The review seeks to ensure strict monitoring and enforcement of prescribed guidelines for registered money lenders, while also identifying, regulating, and penalising unregistered private lenders operating outside the legal framework.
“The goal is to foster an environment where credit acts as an economic ladder rather than a financial trap,” the NSCW said in a statement. The initiative is intended to strengthen accountability, promote fair and transparent lending practices, and safeguard the dignity, rights, and economic security of citizens—particularly women across the state.
A technical session featured panel discussions on key aspects of the Act. Neiko Akami, NJS and Member Secretary of the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA), spoke on “Legal Gaps,” while Dr Riku Khutso addressed “Implementation Challenges.” Kekhriengulie, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at the Department of Law & Justice, presented on “Co-ordinations.”
Dr Rosemary Dzüvichü, Advisor to the Naga Mothers’ Association, spoke on the Act’s relevance to women’s rights and frequent complaints received, calling for reforms to better protect vulnerable borrowers.
