For quite some time now, we the Nagas of Nagaland are debating on the 33% reservation for women to the municipal bodies which the government has announced to be implemented. If 33% is reserved for women, it leaves 67% for men folks interested to participate in the municipal elections which is approaching and herein is the problem or so it seems - What if your strong hold ward/colony falls to the 33% and not the 67% etc. What if later on 33% is reserved for the state assembly as well?
Nagas are not generally known for our ingenuity in mathematics in the past. However, in this generation the love for calculating percentages (%) have developed so much so that in almost every sphere of our daily lives; we come across percentages. As of now, we seemed to be arguing only about 33% whenever we talk about the Municipal Act. But is the Municipal Act only about reservation for women? What is the Municipal Act? As a layman; I do not have much knowledge about the Act and therefore would request the government to enlighten the people about the Act. For instance; what differences will be there if there is an elected body from the present system of running the municipalities under an Administrator as is done for years now? What will be the powers such as legal, financial and duties/ functions of the council? What will be status, privileges and remunerations of the councilors?
The Municipal Act is not about 33% reservation for women only and therefore, it may be in the interest of the public for the government if the above information are made clear to the public.
Rusovil John
Viswema
