The Nagaland Municipal Bill 2023 was passed today at the third session (Emergent session) of the 14th Assembly was held at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Kohima.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio moved the “The Nagaland Municipal Bill, 2023” for consideration and the bill was passed unanimously at the assembly. Each political party were given opportunity to share their opinion and views on the bills.
Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland TR Zeliang stated that since 2001, the Bill has witnessed controversies and trouble within the August house as well as outside, where varied views and suggestions were expressed. “ I am most excited that this Bill will finally see the light of the day with 33 percent Women Reservation. Our Women will get the much needed boost to be elected representatives in the ULBs and be part of the decision making body for our Municipals and Towns,” shared Zeliang exuding confidence that with their involvement in planning and policy making Nagaland’s municipalities will be positively impacted.
Zeliang also appealed the women to be onboard with the decision and not let the issue of reservation for the Post of Chairperson be the bottleneck in successful implementation of the ULB Election. “With your capability and perseverance, I am sure that you will give the men a fair and tough competition for the post and there would not be any reasons why you would need reservation for the same,” asserted Zeliang.
He also appealed all the Naga Brothers and Sisters, to lend support to this Bill and not hold any reservation in their mind and together and march ahead for the all round development of the ULBs and the State in general.
While appreciating the Nagaland Municipal Bill, 2023, T N Mannen (NDPP) expressed disappointment on the exemption of taxes stating that revenue generated for development of town is mostly generated from the land tax collected and it will be very difficult and challenging to bring good quality and facility without revenue. Mannen questioned how one will fund the development and upliftment of town without revenue generation.
“This crucial piece of legislation marks a significant milestone in the development of our state and the empowerment of our people. It is a testament to the progressive mindset of our government and the collective aspirations of the people of Nagaland,” said Jwenga Seb ( Janata Dal United) during the Assembly.
Seb noted that the provision for 33 percent reservation for women in municipal bodies is one of the most commendable aspects of the Nagaland Municipal Bill, 2023.
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“This step towards gender equality is not only a welcome move but also a much-needed one. By ensuring that women have a fair representation in local governance, we are fostering an inclusive society where all voices are heard and all perspectives are considered,” advocated Seb, further expressing the hope that the bill will empower citizens to actively participate in decision-making processes. The MLA also viewed that the involvement of citizens in local governance will strengthen the bond between the government and the people, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Nuklotoshi from (National Peoples Party), Dr. Sukhato A Sema (Bharatiya Janata Party),Jwenga Seb ( Janata Dal United),Y Lima Onen Chang (Republican Party of India),Kevipodi Sophie (Independent),Achumbemo Kikon(Naga People’s Front), Picto Shohe( Nationalist Congress Party), Imkong L Imchen (Bharatiya Janata Party) and Minister of Power and Parliamentary affairs KG Kenye expressed their support for the Nagaland Municipal Bill 2023.
The session began with the reporting on the assent to bills by the Secretary incharge, Nagaland Legislative Assembly Secretariat of the Governor of Nagaland to the Nagaland Motor Vehicle Taxation(Amendment)Bill,2023, The Nagaland Passengers and Goods Taxation(Amendment)Bill,2023.
The Assembly was followed by the Presentation of Select Committee Report, Deputy Chief Minister and Convenor of the select committee T.R Zeliang who examined the Nagaland Municipal Bill,2023 and presented an opt of the “report of the select committee of the Nagaland Municipal(Bill)2023”, under Rule 231 of the rules of Procedure and conduct of Business in Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
