The Nagaland Assembly has passed the Nagaland Municipal Bill 2023, making unanimous strides to empower women in urban governance. The groundbreaking bill earmarks one-third of the seats in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) exclusively for women, aligning with the directives of the Supreme Court.
While this monumental decision prioritizes women's representation in ULBs, it's noteworthy that certain provisions initially considered, such as the one-third reservation for chairperson offices in ULBs and taxation policies on land and buildings, have not been incorporated into the enacted bill.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio underscored the legal underpinning of this move, citing compliance with the Supreme Court's explicit directions. He emphasized the strategic significance of women's active participation in the administration of ULBs, especially given the rapid urbanization trends observed in Nagaland.
As the state looks forward to the positive and transformative impacts of this legislative move, it sets a commendable precedent for gender equity in local governance. The bill not only addresses the need for inclusivity but also acknowledges the evolving role of women in shaping the urban landscape.
Nagaland's commitment to women's participation in decision-making processes marks a progressive step towards fostering more representative and responsive urban governance.
