DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 12 (MExN): Voicing out in support of women reservation in Urban Local Bodies election, the Nagaland Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee (NPMCC) on Monday urged men folk not to disqualify or prevent them from contributing in building society or limit them to nurturing home and kitchens alone.
“Women being of physically weaker gender should not disqualify or prevent us to contribute in building our society, or limit us to nurturing homes and kitchens alone,” NPMCC president N Lucy said in a press statement.
According to the NPMCC, there are elements with intent to eliminate women from participating in the process of making decisions. It also termed the allegation that violation of the spirit of Article 371A for providing one-time reservation as unfounded.
Explaining that urban habitats are migratory stations having multi-religions, customs, culture and traditions, the Congress Mahila said it cannot be governed with Nagaland Village Council Act, and therefore the reason why Nagaland Municipal Act of 2001 was formulated.
The Congress Mahila also contended that the provision of Article 371A in no way prevents or forbids women from rising in civilization. “List of provisions under Article 371A are sovereign powers of the Nagaland State Assembly. They are also authorized by mandate to legislate new laws effecting the list provisions and to adopt laws of the nation. Nothing prevents the state from making new Acts to govern its people,” it enlightened.
It further viewed that the “resolution and counter resolution by Nagaland Legislative Assembly, in respect of 33% women reservation are meaningless when the Municipal and Town Council Act is in force.”
From the point of gender equality provided in the Constitution, one-time reservation may be considered as a special gesture, the Congress Mahila has urged.
