Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 24
Nagaland Chief minister TR Zeliang today stood firm on the state government’s decision to conduct municipal elections within this calendar year with 33% reservation for women.
Addressing the Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting of Naga People’s Front (NPF) here today, he said due to opposition from certain quarters, the state had not been able to hold municipal elections for the last ten years.
“This is definitely not a healthy development, nor contributing to good governance! Our municipalities are being run by just one officer, designated as Chief Executive Officer, with the support of a few municipal employees. Due to this state of affairs, we have not been able to get the grants for urban local bodies recommended by the Finance Commission, and we are losing every year valuable funds, much needed for improvement of our urban infrastructure and facilities,” he said.
He added that Kohima’s bid for the smart city project is also handicapped by the lack of an elected municipal council. “Although a case filed by NWA is pending in the Supreme Court, we decided not to wait for the final outcome, which may take a few more years. Our legal advisers are also of the opinion that we can only delay, but our chances of winning are really slim. Above all, the state Government stands for women empowerment, and we believe that giving them this 33% reservation in municipalities will be one important step towards women empowerment,” he said.
He called upon the party to help in its smooth implementation through awareness campaign and mobilization of public opinion in its favour.
“If we are to argue, there is no end to it, but, we have to accept the present situation, which is different from the past situation. When it comes to our customary right, we are well protected through the village council act, and the Municipal Act will not touch our villages. If we seriously talk about development of Towns - in every town, the Government had decided to acquire the land with outright purchase, and we are following that policy. But if we allow the land owners to dictate the Government in such townships, how can the Government move forward with its plan and programme? It’s high time to know and understand what is township and what is village! We want a smart city, but the question is how can you have a smart city without municipal council?” he questioned.
The CM then added that the NPF Legislature party and the NPF-led DAN Government is united and stronger, pointing out that in a house of 60, the NPF now has 48 MLAs, whereas DAN partner BJP has 4 MLAs. The 8 Independent members are also part of the DAN Government.
He said this new found unity came from the collective desire of the legislators, not only to facilitate, but to give a stronger push for an early settlement of the Naga political issue. “We also have 8 Independent MLAs, who are now part of us, and part of the DAN Government, along with their followers. We should, therefore, be aware that there is a need for some adjustments with our new members, especially at the district and Assembly Constituency levels. Both the old and new party workers have to work as a new team...” he added.
He called for strong foundation at the grass-root level, with the party backing up the state government with sound advice. “We are open to constructive criticisms and positive suggestions, but party men should refrain from negative altitude, loose talk and back-stabbing at all costs,” he said. Zeliang also said that the vision documents of DAN-III will be brought out very shortly, and the draft will be placed before the cabinet on or before 31st August, 2016.
