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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 26 (EMN): The government of Nagaland, in consultation with the civil society organisations and tribal hohos, has constituted a committee to review the 33% reservation policy for women in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
This was informed by the minister of Planning and Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu, at a press conference in Kohima on Tuesday.
This time, two women representative -- activist and scholar, prof. Rosemary Dzuvichu, and Secretary to Science and Technology department, Sotsula -- have been included in the committee headed by the chief secretary of the state.
Professor Dzuvichu has been included in the committee based on her profession as a professor at the Nagaland University, while Sotsula represents the state government.
The decision to form the panel was taken at the state government's meeting with the representatives of CSOs -- Tenyimi Public Organisation (TPO), Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) and Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) -- on October 20.
Kronu said that everyone was concerned about reservation for women and it’s time to discuss the issue and take a decision together.
He further informed that the newly formed committee will study the issue and give a report (no timeline set).
While awaiting the committee's report, the house had decided to nominate members to run the municipal council on a temporary basis. The members will be nominated on 70% man and 30% women basis. The municipal council will function during the interim period and the department of Urban Development will work out and issue a notification in this regard.
"We cannot continue like this with one administrator handling the entire town," Kronu said.
‘As and when the committee comes up with their report, there will be ULB election,’ he added.
Kronu also informed that "our own people from Myanmar" are taking shelter particularly in bordering district of Mon.
This comes amid report that nearly 13,000 refugees from coup-hit Myanmar are taking shelter in Mizoram.
The minister informed that churches and CSOs are taking care of the refugees on humanitarian ground for now, while thanking them (churches and organisations) for their services.
‘It is yet to ascertain as to how many refugees have entered the state. But sooner or later, we will try to find out an approximate number of refugees,’ he informed, adding that the government would discuss the matter.
The minister, who is also the state government’s spokesperson for Covid-19, informed that the High Powered Committee (HPC) had decided at its meeting on Tuesday to begin Unlock-8 from November 1 till December 15 with further relaxations.
Regarding re-opening of schools for students of classes 1 to 4, it has been left to the district task force to decide.
‘Night curfew has been lifted and transportation is back to normal with full capacities,’ he informed.
On the upcoming Hornbill Festival, he said that tourists, who have completed vaccination, will be allowed to the festival. He added that the number of days for Hornbill this year would be decided later.
He further requested all to take Covid vaccine and asked DTFs to put more effort on the vaccination drive.