State government will revive committee to analyse central laws, acts — Kenye

KOHIMA — KG Kenye, Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, announced on Thursday that the state government’s intention is to revive a committee to analyse and scrutinise central laws and acts to safeguard the rights of the people.

Previously established by predecessors, the committee had remained inactive for an extended period.

Sharing this information during a media interaction following the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Third (Emergent) Session at the Legislators Home in the NLA Complex, Kohima, Kenye described the day as ‘historic’.

He emphasised that the Municipal Act of 2001, particularly concerning urban local bodies, had faced discontent for more than two decades, leading to various issues, hardships, and even loss of lives and properties, ultimately causing a government collapse.

Kenye highlighted that the present government took proactive steps to address the dormant issue, successfully repealing a central act and introducing the state’s municipal act. He expressed hope that this precedent would increase awareness of the significance of Article 371(A) and its meaning for the people of the state.

Also, he anticipated further exploration and understanding of the Article in the future.

Kenye, a member of the NLA Select Committee, shared insights into the committee’s recent findings during their examination of the Nagaland Municipal Bill 2023.

According to Kenye, the committee unearthed old documents revealing that predecessors had established committees to scrutinise central laws and acts concerning Nagaland. He emphasised that this recognition by past leaders acknowledged the distinctiveness of the Naga people and their unique status when the state was under the foreign ministry, outside the Ministry of Home Affairs.

He said that the government intends to activate this body fully to ensure a thorough check and balance. He expressed hope that this committee would play a crucial role in providing a platform for deliberation, decision-making, and the formulation of the state’s stance, which would subsequently be presented to the Assembly.

In acknowledging the tribal hohos as custodians of customary and traditional practices, Kenye commended their consistent advocacy for the rights of the people. Despite their opposition to certain clauses in the Municipal Bill, he clarified that their stance was not to be misunderstood—rather, it was taken in the broader interest of everyone.

With the passing of the new bill, Kenye hoped for a positive reception, emphasising that the committee engaged in thorough deliberations and consultations with various stakeholders. He asserted that the government would not compel anyone to participate as a candidate or voter, promoting voluntary involvement.

He maintained that the 33% women’s reservation was broadly accepted after a series of consultations, and the concerns mainly revolved around taxes. Consequently, the matters of tax on land and buildings were dropped, while fees, service charges, and maintenance charges for revenues were retained, with municipalities and town councils having discretion.

In response to a question about consulting women, Kenye presumed that tribal bodies considered the views of tribal women bodies and auxiliary organisations before the consultative meetings. He clarified that no written or verbal communication was received from women’s bodies during the committee’s proceedings.

Regarding the establishment of a board for elections and delimitation exercises in towns and municipal areas, Kenye outlined the government’s plans to distinguish between rural and urban areas for the electoral college.

Addressing the recent statement from Ao Senden, Kenye noted their presence in the state consultative meeting in early September and expressed surprise at their subsequent statement.

Despite Ao Senden being part of the CNTC in the November 6 consultative meeting, Kenye suggested that they may prefer the government to initiate a meeting with all tribal bodies, emphasising that the matter should ideally be resolved among themselves (CNTC and Ao Senden).

Kenye concluded by stating that the government, while not subject to anyone’s approval or permission, practices consultative meetings to inclusively involve the entire society in decision-making processes.

Also read: NLA likely to pass Nagaland Municipal Bill 2023 tomorrow