Morung Express News
Kohima | March 2
While the contentious issue of 33% women reservation in the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) election remains unresolved, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio emphasised on the need to analyse the issue with mutual respect among ‘ourselves.’
“We have to respect our women and they should be part and parcel of the decision making body,” asserted Rio, reiterating that village systems cannot be imposed in the towns and cities.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s recent order granting the state government six weeks to bring a formula on how to implement the reservation of women in ULBs and to conduct elections under the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, Rio said consultations with the tribal bodies and NGOs will be held soon. The state government will then submit its recommendations to the Supreme Court, however, “if the SC doesn’t agree to our proposal, then we may find some hindrances and start conflicts again, but state is very clear and will do what is possible,” he said.
Rio who also holds the charge of Municipal Affairs said there are reforms mandated under the Act which if not implemented would debar municipal and town councils from getting financial grant-in-aids.
