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The Nagaland Assembly, through a voice vote, passed the Nagaland Municipal Bill 2023 on Thursday, incorporating a 33% reservation for women in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). The bill was approved following the presentation of the select committee’s report, led by Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang, recommending the gender-based reservation.
Despite concerns from powerful Naga organizations stating that such reservations would contradict customary laws, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio emphasized that the bill was developed after extensive consultations with civil society organizations and Naga tribal hohos. Provisions related to taxes, land, and buildings were excluded, and while the Supreme Court-mandated 33% reservation for women in ULBs was retained, the one-third reservation for women in the chairperson’s office was not included in the Nagaland Municipal Bill.
Rio acknowledged the delay in achieving a consensus on ULBs but expressed optimism that the passage of the bill would enhance administration, development, cleanliness, and beautification in cities and towns. Deputy CM Zeliang welcomed the inclusion of the 33% reservation for women, believing it would empower women in ULBs’ decision-making processes. He urged women to support the bill and ensure that the reservation for the chairperson’s post does not hinder the ULB election’s implementation.
The House also withdrew the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 through a voice vote, addressing objections from influential Naga tribal hohos who claimed that certain provisions violated Article 371(A). The 2001 Act had led to violence and casualties when the state government attempted its implementation a few years ago.
