Passage of Nagaland Municipal Bill a ‘collective triumph’, says NDPP

DIMAPUR — The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) hailed the passage of the Nagaland Municipal Bill (NMB), 2023 with 33% reservation for women in urban local bodies (ULBs), as a collective triumph for all citizens.

This decision, it said, aligns with the NDPP’s commitment to gender equality, marking a pivotal achievement outlined in its manifesto.

In a press release issued on Friday, the party termed it as a significant step towards realising constitutional promises and fostering an environment where citizens, irrespective of gender, actively engage in the democratic process. Lauding the unanimous support of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, the NDPP underscored the role of the bill in promoting gender inclusivity in local governance.

Maintaining that the passage of the bill was a testament to the party’s commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity, it said the reservation for women in municipal bodies would open the door to new opportunities, making urban areas more prompt in responding to the diverse needs of the people.

“We believe that when women are involved in the decision-making process, it leads to better governance and more balanced development,” read the statement.

The NDPP also thanked various stakeholders, including Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, civil society organisations, tribal hohos, NGOs, churches, and the people of Nagaland, saying that this achievement was a collective triumph.

Calling for unity among the people of Nagaland, the party sought support for the bill, while stressing the importance of collective efforts towards the holistic development of towns and the state. It also asserted that it remains committed to fostering a brighter and more equitable future for Nagaland’s urban areas through the implementation of the new bill.

Also read: Nagaland ULBs: 33% women reservation gets green light