The North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) in Assam has officially been renamed the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC), marking an important administrative change for the autonomous body governing the Dima Hasao district.
The change was communicated through an official order issued by the Office of the Principal Secretary at the Council Secretariat in Haflong. The directive instructed all departments functioning under the council to adopt the new nomenclature, “Dima Hasao Autonomous Council” or “DHAC”, in all official communications, records and administrative documents.
Official Directive Issued From Haflong
According to the official communication, the directive follows a notification issued on May 18, 2026, through which the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council was renamed the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council.
The latest order aims to ensure uniformity in the use of the council’s new name across all departments and offices operating under its jurisdiction.
All heads of departments have been directed to replace the earlier nomenclature in official correspondence and administrative records. The new name is to be used on letters, files, notices, orders, official seals and signboards.
Departments Directed to Adopt New Nomenclature
The council authorities have instructed departments to ensure that the transition to the new name is reflected consistently across official and administrative platforms.
The directive covers a wide range of official materials, including departmental correspondence, files, notices, orders and institutional signboards.
The move is expected to eliminate confusion arising from the continued use of different names for the autonomous council and establish a uniform official identity for the administrative body.
The adoption of “Dima Hasao Autonomous Council” and the abbreviation “DHAC” will now become the standard nomenclature for official purposes within the council’s administrative structure.
DHAC Governs Entire Dima Hasao District
The Dima Hasao Autonomous Council exercises jurisdiction over the entire Dima Hasao district in Assam.
The autonomous district falls under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides a degree of self-governance to certain tribal areas in the Northeast.
The council plays an important role in the administration and development of the hill district, with its headquarters located in Haflong.
The official renaming brings the council’s identity in line with the name of the district it administers, Dima Hasao.
Haflong Remains the Administrative Headquarters
Haflong continues to serve as the headquarters of the autonomous council.
Located around 330 kilometres from Guwahati, Haflong is Assam’s only hill station and is widely known for its scenic landscape and hill environment.
As the administrative centre of Dima Hasao district, Haflong houses the Council Secretariat and several key institutions responsible for the functioning of the autonomous administration.
The renaming directive was issued from the Office of the Principal Secretary at the Council Secretariat in Haflong, underscoring the administrative importance of the town in the functioning of the autonomous council.
Move Aimed at Ensuring Administrative Uniformity
The primary objective of the latest directive is to establish consistency in official communication and documentation.
The council authorities have directed all departments to follow the new nomenclature uniformly to avoid the simultaneous use of “North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council” and “Dima Hasao Autonomous Council” in different records and communications.
Such administrative uniformity is expected to simplify official procedures and provide a clearer institutional identity to the autonomous body.
The use of the abbreviation DHAC will also standardise references to the council in official correspondence and administrative processes.
A New Official Identity for the Autonomous Council
The official adoption of the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council name represents a significant administrative development for one of Assam’s key autonomous institutions.
The council has historically been known as the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, and the latest directive formally establishes the new nomenclature across its departments and offices.
With all departments now instructed to update official documents, seals and signboards, the transition is expected to be implemented across the council’s administrative structure in the coming period.
The renaming also strengthens the connection between the council and the identity of Dima Hasao district, which it governs under the autonomous administrative framework.
As departments begin adopting the new nomenclature, Dima Hasao Autonomous Council will become the official name used across government communications, records and institutional platforms, bringing greater consistency to the council’s administrative identity.