Nagaland Cabinet postpones nominations to ULBs; anti-defection law in offing

KOHIMA —The Nagaland Cabinet has decided to postpone nominations to municipal and town councils in eastern Nagaland and other areas until the conclusion of a Supreme Court case expected in mid-July.

The decision was made during a cabinet meeting at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat in Kohima on Thursday.

Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, who is also the state government spokesperson, told Eastern Mirror that the government will address the nomination process following the court’s ruling.

The Supreme Court‘s decision on this matter stems from a contempt of court case filed by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) regarding the civic polls.

During the last hearing in May, the matter was adjourned to July 16 after the Nagaland government informed the court of its intention to hold Urban Local Body elections in June, incorporating 33% reservation for women.

On anti-defection law

Meanwhile, the state government is said to be moving forward with plans to incorporate an anti-defection law into the Nagaland Municipal Act.

Sources revealed that a draft of the necessary amendments, based on existing modules, has been prepared and will be sent to the Governor for approval. The Chief Secretary and Cabinet Secretary will personally present the file for discussion.

The cabinet has also considered the proposal for a separate Directorate for ULBs. However, it has requested a cadre review of officers from both the Department of Municipal Affairs (MA) and Urban Development (UD) before proceeding, as both the departments share cadres and are closely linked to the ULBs.

Following the review, the separation of the two departments will be implemented.