Kuki traditional institutions and development: Role of village chiefs in Manipur

This study investigates the enduring significance of the traditional Kuki institution of chieftainship, known as Housa, and its role in local governance and rural development in Manipur. Despite the replacement of similar systems by village councils in many other tribal regions of Northeast India, chieftainship remains central to administrative and social life among the Kukis. The research explores the perspectives of village chiefs regarding their roles and the structural factors that influence their participation in development. Employing a cross-sectional and exploratory design, the study is based on primary data collected through structured questionnaires from village chiefs in both the most developed and least developed blocks of Kuki-inhabited areas in Manipur. It analyzes the demographic, social, and economic backgrounds of the chiefs and assesses how these factors relate to their perceptions of development-related roles and responsibilities. The findings indicate that the institution of chieftainship continues to function with considerable resilience and local legitimacy. Chiefs identify themselves as custodians of both tradition and development, actively participating in community mobilization, local dispute resolution, and engagement with government schemes. Interestingly, variations in the structural characteristics of the chiefs, such as education level, wealth status, or exposure to state agencies, do not significantly influence their perception of their roles. At the same time, the institution faces considerable challenges, including the absence of formal recognition within the broader administrative framework, inadequate financial support, and limited inclusion in development planning processes, all of which undermine the effectiveness of chieftainship in meeting contemporary development needs. Chiefs express a desire for legal and institutional reinforcement of their roles, increased funding for village development, and greater integration into district and state-level decision-making processes. While acknowledging the value of the chieftainship system in maintaining cultural continuity and grassroots leadership, the study critically reflects on its limitations in ensuring democratic accountability and broad-based participation. It concludes that, although the chiefs remain willing actors in the development process, sustainable and equitable rural development in Kuki areas requires a transition towards more democratic and participatory local governance structures, similar to the Panchayati Raj model practiced in other parts of India. The findings of this study hold relevance for policymakers, development agencies, and civil society actors concerned with governance and tribal development in the Northeast.