Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 17
Nagaland Advisor for Labour, Employment, Skill Development and Excise; and MLA from Dimapur II, Moatoshi Longkumer today said that women should be given way to enter the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) through reservation.
Longkumer made the comment in response to a query from the media as to whether he supported the 33 percent reservation of seats for women in the municipal bodies.
“We have to give reservation. How long can we stop the reservation (of seats)? Why can’t we let our women also enjoy the privilege?” he said as he left a thanksgiving programme held at the SM College Auditorium, Dimapur on March 17.
The programme was held on account of his victory from the 2 Dimapur-II Assembly seat in the just concluded elections to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Besides the opposition to women’s reservation, three urban councils’ collective from Dimapur, Kohima and Mokokchung have also objected to the Nagaland state government’s choice of terminology in the third amendment to the Nagaland Municipal Act, which was affected in 2016. Through the amendment, the government had omitted certain sections relating to taxation of lands and buildings. The three bodies have demanded that the word ‘omitted/omission’ should be replaced by ‘deletion.’ On this, Longkumer said, “If the government can consider it, that is well and good.”
As the Advisor incharge of Excise and Prohibition, he was further asked if he would support a move to lift the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act. He responded in the affirmative.
“We have to either enforce it or relax it,” he said, while stating that neighbouring Khatkhati has been prospering on account of the NLTP. “Those people, who drink will always drink. Let them drink good wine, good alcohol, not adulterated,” he added.
Each MLA in Nagaland is allocated Rs 1 cr per annum under the Local Area Development Programme. Queried on this, he claimed that he has been using his share judiciously and intends to use it in the same manner. In reality, however, Longkumer claimed that the amount is no more than Rs 81-82 lakhs per annum “minus iconic projects.” According to him, construction/repair of roads and drainage has been the primary demands of the colony councils in his constituency.
On boundary demarcation of Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima, he said that it is the prerogative of the Chief Minister.
Earlier, addressing the thanksgiving programme, he said that the onus was on him now that he has been elected again. “Now that you have elected me, I am a worried man today. The onus is on me. I am wondering how I can repay you?” he said.
While stating that things may not always go as planned, he requested the people of Dimapur to have patience with him. He urged everyone to understand that the development of Dimapur cannot happen overnight, but with commitment and determination, they will achieve their goals.
CPO calls for amendment of Nagaland Municipal Act
DIMAPUR, MARCH 17 (MExN): The Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) today called for review/amendment of the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 in the forthcoming 1st session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) to bring out a workable act before holding the election to the ULBs.
A press release from the CPO said that the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 has infringed upon Article 371(A), and demanded that the “Tax on Land and Building” should be repealed and deleted from the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001. Further it demanded that the policy on Women Reservation be reviewed as per local and social practices.
“Unless the Government acts upon the wishes and desires of the people as listed above, the Chakhesang people shall be refrained from participating in the ULB elections,” the CPO said.
These declarations, the CPO said are “based on the Consultative Meeting with all frontal organizations, public leaders, all responsible civil societies, intellectuals, and concerned individuals, held on March 15.”
