DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 11 : In an interesting turnabout, the government of Nagaland reportedly has plans to amend some provisions of the Nagaland Municipal Act of 2001 (amended in 2006) during the forthcoming Assembly Session scheduled to be held on November 22 next.
The twists and turns of the state government on the issue of 33% reservation of women in urban local bodies have been exposed recently. On September 22, 2012 the NLA had resolved: “No statutory provision of the State which provides for matters similar to as contained in Article 243T of the Constitution of India, shall have force in Nagaland.” Article 243T refers to reservation of seats for women in municipal and town councils.
While appearing to ignore this resolution, the state cabinet had on August 10 last decided to introduce 33% seat reservation for women in urban local bodies. This cabinet decision, according to the former additional advocate general of Nagaland, Pius Lotha, cannot be enforced “as it will be contrary to the special provision given to state by the Constitution” via Article 371 (A).
The cabinet, Lotha said, cannot supersede an Assembly resolution. However, till date, the state government has yet to respond to it.
On Friday Eastern Mirror, contacted the speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Chotisuh Sazo for clarification. When asked if a cabinet decision could supersede an Assembly Resolution, Sazo said it could not.
The Speaker was also asked if the government was looking to amend the Nagaland Municipal Act in the forthcoming Assembly Session. He replied that a written application for amendment has been received.
