Even though the paternal Naga society is against it women have been allotted 33% reservation so let’s not comment on the pros and cons of it. But what we need here is to analyze it in a definite way because it may be a stumbling block in the future. Even if this reservation is implemented. It should discontinue whenever the women attains 40% either in the parliament or state assemblies else women should not be allowed to contest on general or else a time may come when man may have to ask for male reservation from their counterparts.
For example, if women gats elected under the 33% reservation and become MLAs and MPs in other states other than Nagaland it is possible to gain 40% by women candidates in 1st phase. In the 2nd phase have to take part. Thus, the working and procedure of the present women MLAs and MPs would automatically lead to 55% or 60% reservation of women in the legislature or state assemblies. As a democratic nation, if women gets above 55% or 60% seats in the total assembly election they would form the majority and they might even change the reservation from 33% to 55% or 60%. As a result men will not be able to contest against such reservation. In such a situation, where will our nation lead to?
Thus, if women get 33% reservation men on the other hand must retain his right over the remaining 67%. The only situation would be to give 33% reservation for men and also 33% reservation for women and the remaining 34% open to both the genders. Whether we like it or not, we have to follow this procedure by hook or by crook. Thus as a consequence of this reservation, within 15 years (3 elections) men will not be able to match the women contestants. ‘Men may cry and beg but in vain’
S T Yapang, Lkr
Kohima
