KOHIMA, SEPT 9 : Quashing the misinterpretation of those who might be feeling that the women reservation undermines the special constitutional guarantee accorded to the Naga people under Article 371-A, a legislator has said that the 33% reservation will not in any way dilute or infringe upon the privileges guaranteed by the constitution.
Speaking at a 'consultative meeting' with urban local bodies for implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)–housing for all (urban)—at Hotel Japfü, the parliamentary secretary for Municipal Affairs and Economics and Statistic R Tohanba said that the municipal elections will be ‘notified’ by the State Election Commission very shortly.’
This will also allow the community’s womenfolk to take active part in the decision-making process in the municipalities and town councils, he said.
Therefore, Tohanba said, every individual must work closely for smooth elections to the urban local bodies as per the Nagaland Municipal Act.
The legislator also said that the urban local bodies were ‘primarily to make the urban areas / town clean and eco-friendly areas and good governance.’ They are also ‘not involved in rural areas or in village councils’ matters nor take part in Naga customary laws,’ he said. Hence, he asserted, women’s involvement in urban decision-making bodies and process will boost good governance and enhance ‘quality governance.’
Reminding that the role of women had changed over the years, that women have proved themselves to be capable in shouldering any responsibility, Tohanba asserted that the men should be 'ready to share equal responsibility.' They must be 'ready to share rights and duties in the social, political and economic activities for development of the Naga society,' he said.
Also, asserting that women’s involvement as equal partners recognizes their capabilities, he said they can be assets to the Naga society. Tohanba has urged all to move forward and ‘be ready to accommodate such positive changes.’
Also, he highlighted the PMAY, an initiative of the government of India to curb urban homelessness by providing subsidy to beneficiaries who are without a house or who have small houses, for enhancement of rooms. Tohanba said that the ministry framed guidelines that propagate transparency and accountability for successful implementation of said scheme.
He expressed optimism that the event would be the first step toward providing the people with basic facilities. Nagaland, he said, was fortunate to have a cover for 23 urban local bodies under the mission. The plan-of-action is under preparation. Seven more town councils have been recognized, he said. Currently, there are 27 town councils and three municipal councils, he said.
Also, Tohanba said that Nagaland had chosen three ‘verticals’ out of the four from the scheme namely the Beneficiary Led Construction, the Affordable Housing in Partnership, and the Credit Link Subsidy.
However, the politician pointed out that in Nagaland, most of the urban local bodies may not be in position to take up affordable housing schemes. He has asked the urban local bodies to present their views and comments for the success of the scheme.
