Nagaland Assembly Initiates New Municipal Bill Amid Consensus on Women's Reservation

The Nagaland Assembly made a significant legislative move by introducing the Nagaland Municipal Bill 2023, following the contentious repeal of the 2001 principal Act earlier this year. The repeal decision in March 2023 stemmed from concerns about women's seat reservations and property taxation. Notably, this decision received enthusiastic support from the state's first women legislators, Salhoutuonuo Kruse and Hekani Jakhalu, who applauded the recent consensus among tribal and civil society organizations in favor of women's reservations in civic bodies.

Salhoutuonuo Kruse, speaking in the state assembly for the first time since her election in February 2023, expressed gratitude to central leaders for advocating a 33% reservation policy for women in urban local bodies (ULBs). During discussions on pending ULB elections, she also appreciated Naga women leaders for their tireless efforts in championing women's reservations.

Likewise, MLA Hekani Jakhalu, delivering her inaugural speech in the assembly, described the past two decades as challenging, not only for Naga women but for the entire community. She welcomed the collaboration between civil society organizations and tribal leaders that paved the way for the new municipal bill. Jakhalu emphasized that, like indigenous communities worldwide, Nagas are guided by customary laws that are flexible and adaptable to changing times.

Amid ongoing opposition to ULB elections and concerns about the Nagaland Municipal Act of 2001 potentially conflicting with Article 371A, the 14th Nagaland State Assembly unanimously repealed the principal Act during its first session in March 2023.

Following the repeal, the state government swiftly committed to drafting a new bill in consultation with various tribal bodies and stakeholders. The aim is to create a legislative framework that aligns fully with customary practices, traditions, and Article 371A for governing the state's towns and urban areas.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, referencing an ongoing Supreme Court litigation initiated by the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) seeking 33% reservation for women in Nagaland's civic bodies, highlighted the Court's examination of the state's actions. He mentioned the Court's recent order advocating for 1/3rd representation for women while assuring that Nagaland's personal laws and special status under Article 371A remain unaffected.

Rio stressed that the Court had granted one final opportunity for compliance, with the case scheduled for September 26, 2023. He acknowledged the eagerness of tribal bodies and organizations to move forward, expressing their broad agreement with the proposed provisions, especially the 1/3rd reservation of seats for women in ULBs.

Looking ahead, the newly introduced Nagaland Municipal Bill 2023 has been referred to a select committee, to be formed by Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer. The committee's task is to thoroughly scrutinize the bill to ensure it addresses all pertinent concerns of the people.

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