KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 10 (MExN): The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has expressed delight and termed it historic, the passing of the Nagaland Municipal Bill (NMB), 2023, with 33% reservation for women in municipal bodies. This landmark decision is a significant step towards fulfilling the NDPP's constitutional guarantee of gender equality and a key commitment made in our manifesto, a press statement issued by NDPP media & communications committee stated.
“The NDPP firmly believes that every citizen, regardless of gender, should have an equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process and contribute to the betterment of our society. With the passage of the NMB, 2023, we are one step closer to achieving this goal. We congratulate the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for their unanimous support in this historic move towards gender inclusivity in local governance,” the press statement read.
It also claimed that this momentous decision is a testament to the party's unwavering commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity.
The NDPP believed that the reservation for women in municipal bodies will open the door to a whole new world of opportunities, making Nagaland’s urban areas more representative, fair, and responsive to the diverse needs of our people. “We believe that when women are involved in the decision-making process, it leads to better governance and more balanced development,” it added.
Moving forward, the NDPP called upon all Naga brothers and sisters to unite in support of this bill. “Let us cast aside any reservations and march together towards the all-round development of our towns and our beloved state. Together, we can leave a legacy for future generations to appreciate and benefit from, reflecting the positive change we collectively bring about,” it stated.
The NDPP meanwhile extended its sincere appreciation and gratitude to all sections for making this historic milestone possible while also commending the positive contributions of all members of the NLA for the support and unanimity in passing the bill. This is a collective triumph of all citizens of the State, it maintained.
It further acknowledged the important role played by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in championing the cause of gender equality.
