KOHIMA, August 25 (NEPS): “Every time in the Assembly, we were not allowed to ask any questions to know something of the developmental works of certain departments in the State,” said a ruling NPF legislator, who wished not to be named.
Denying the remarks made by Chief Minister TR Zeliang in last Press Conference on July 14 that members were free to ask any questions in the Assembly, the NPF legislator disclosed that “Whip” would be always issued to the members in the Treasury Bench in every Assembly Session not to ask or put up any questions in the Assembly.
“I, as a representative of my constituency, should be given an opportunity to ask questions to know the progress of any developmental activities taking place in my Constituency;” he said and added that “We are aware of our duties.” “But if I do ask any questions in the Assembly, then I will be treated as indulging in anti-party activities,” he said. “We are like sitting ducks.”
The NPF legislator also said, “We are surprised to know that 33% reservation of women in civic bodies in Nagaland will be discussed in the Assembly on Friday.” “Because the Cabinet had already passed a resolution to implement the 33% reservation of women in Municipal and Town Council elections in the Nagaland on August 10, 2016 and where is the point to be discussed in the Assembly again.”
He stated that the One-Day Special Session on Friday was only to show that the House endorses the “resolution of the Cabinet on the implementation of 33% reservation of women in civic bodies.”
He, however, pointed out that the issue of 33% reservation of women in civic bodies in Nagaland should have been first discussed in the Assembly instead of adopting resolution by the Cabinet. “We can deliberate whether we can come down from the 33% to certain level because 33% laid down by the Government of India is from the national perspectives,” he added. But since the Cabinet had already passed the resolution and bringing it in the Assembly to be discussed means just eyewash, he stated.
With regard to the GST Bill, the NPF legislator felt that the matter should have been referred to some Expert Committee before ratifying it in Assembly. “What is hurry?” he asked.
