Khriekhutuo Mor, Jt Secretary
Information & Publicity, APO
In view of the much talked about implementation of 33% reservation for women, the people of Nagaland is yet to fully understand the reverse impact by the introduction of Caste system in the State. Under section 23A of the Nagaland Municipal (1st Amendment) Act, 2006 “seats in every municipality should be reversed for the Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes, Women including women from the Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribes”, in accordance with the provision contained in clauses (1) to (3) of the Article 243-T of the constitution. As matter of legal position no order has been made by the President of India in term of Article 341 with respect to schedule tribes existing in 2 (two) NE states namely Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. The respect Nagaland Municipal Act (NMA) has included a community (Schedule Caste) in respect of which the Presidential Order is non-existence.
1. According to the stand & claim of the Naga Mother Association (NMA), 33% of seats are reserved exclusively for them which is supported by the Chief Minister of Nagaland and the Cabinet Committee.
2. As per the Nagaland Municipal Act (NMA) 2006, 33% there is a clear provision reserved for the Schedule Castes, Schedule tribes and Women, which is inclusive of the women belonging to the Schedule Castes.
3. The remaining 34% seats are left without reservation as of now.
4. Where is the space left for the Nagas? The issue lies here for Nagaland indigenous tribes of Naga verses the rest of the other committee and the Govt. of Nagaland. It is the sincere belief of the Angami Public Organisation (APO) that empowering Nagaland Indigenous Tribes of Naga Women will not be objectionable but acceptable to all the stakeholders provided the discrimination policy/hidden agenda for accommodation of all kind of races of men is erased/deleted from the said Act. 5.
Hence, the Angami Public Organisation (APO) appeal the GoN to make necessary amendment in the Nagaland Municipal Act (NMA) before Election be conducted in the state as reflecting the actual position in regard of Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes in the state.
