Northeast Desk, 3rd November: Nagaland Governor La Ganesan has called for an emergent session of the state assembly on November 9 to discuss the recommendations of the select committee on a bill aimed at enabling municipal elections that haven’t been held for two decades.
Urban Local Body (ULB) elections in the northeastern state have been long overdue since the last polls in 2004. Initially, elections were postponed due to unresolved Naga peace talks, and later, due to opposition from tribal bodies regarding the 33 percent reservation for women.
The governor has summoned the emergent session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on November 9, as per an order issued by assembly secretary-in-charge Khruohituonuo Rio on Thursday. During this single-day sitting, members will deliberate on the recommendations of the seven-member Select Committee on the Nagaland Municipal Bill, 2023.
In March, the Assembly repealed the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001, and decided to create a new law that incorporates the views of tribal bodies and civil societies, addressing the issues of 33 percent women’s reservation and taxation on land and properties.
The government had previously announced ULB elections multiple times but faced staunch opposition from tribal bodies and civil society organizations, leading to the cancellation of elections and the repeal of the 2001 Act.
In a September 1 consultative meeting with tribal bodies and civil society organizations, it was decided that ULB elections would be conducted with a women’s quota, and the government would present the new Act during the monsoon session of the Assembly.
The new Bill was introduced in the House on September 12 by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, following deliberations among members on matters of urgent public interest related to “Urban Local Bodies Elections.”
Subsequently, Speaker Sharingain Longkumer established a seven-member Select Committee, with Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang as the head, to examine the latest Bill.
Read More: Amid China overtures, Bhutan King’s Maiden Visit to Assam Begins Today