Resolves on One Solution One Agreement; 33% Women Reservation in ULBs
Kohima, Mar 9 (MTNews): A consultative meeting of all stakeholders including mass-based civil society organizations, church organizations, tribal hohos, political parties, and NGOs was held in the State Banquet Hall, Kohima on the invitation of the State Government on 9th March 2022.
After a marathon discussion that lasted for almost 6 hours, the house unanimously adopted a two-point resolution. In a welcome development, it was decided in the meeting that ULB polls should be held as per the 74th Amendment of the Constitution of India, which grants 33 per cent reservation to women in ULBs.
In 2017, when the state government had tried to conduct municipal and town council elections as per the 74th Amendment of the Constitution, the tribal organizations and civil society opposing its implementation had said that women reservation in ULBs would infringe on the special rights guaranteed by Article 371 (A). The issue had led to a serious law and order problem, claiming the lives of two people, besides causing damage to private and government properties.
Nonetheless, in Wednesday’s consultative meeting following the explanations of Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio and Advocate General of Nagaland, K N Balgopal, that the 74th Amendment is different and will not infringe on rights guaranteed by Article 371 (A), the representatives agreed to hold ULB elections with 33% women reservation.
The Supreme Court had recently set six weeks’ time for the state government to bring out a formula to implement women reservation in ULBs and to conduct elections to three municipalities and more than 20 town councils.
During the meeting, it was also resolved that the Naga people yearn for an early political solution and that the negotiating parties should earnestly heed this call and arrive at a political solution that is honourable, inclusive, transparent and acceptable to the people. The attendees appealed to all sections to make renewed efforts for unity to work towards one solution and one agreement.
During an interaction with the media personnel at Civil Secretariat Kohima, Advisor Mhonlumo said the consultation with civil society organizations on the ULB election matter was required since it is for them and that consensus was required for the matter to progress. Reiterating the Chief Minister’s statement earlier in the meeting, he said the taxation under the ULB will depend on the local council members, and the tax collected will be utilized by the local council to improve the conditions of their town and not go to the state government.
The resolution adopted today was appended by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton and UDA Chairman, TR Zeliang.