Women’s reservation
From our Correspondent
KOHIMA, DEC 15: Member of the Planning Commission of India, Dr Syeda Hameed, has said that Nagaland government must comply with the order issued by the Kohima Bench of Gauhati High Court for 33 per cent reservation of seats for women in the civic bodies.
“The court has issued the order and the government is compelled to follow,” the PCI member said at a seminar on “Women’s Representation in Decision Making Process in Nagaland” organized by the Northeast Network and sponsored by the National Planning Commission, at Hotel Orchid in the State capital Kohima on Wednesday.
Dr Syeda also said that there is absolutely no reason why there should not be any women in State Legislative Assembly. She said that women should be involved in any decision-making process as they constitute almost half of the total population in the country.
On condition and status of Naga women as compared to women in other parts of the country, the PCI member was of the view that Naga women are the “strongest and the most empowered group” in the country but that they have to make well-informed judgments when foraying into political careers.
Dr Syeda also acknowledged the efforts of North East Network’s members, whom she called “dedicated workers.”
Advisor to the Naga Mothers’ Association, Rosemary Dzuvichu, spoke on the laws and policies in furthering women’s empowerment in Nagaland and issues concerning the 33 per cent women’s reservation. Explaining the struggle and challenges before Naga women, she said as per Naga customary laws, women were denied the right to inheritance of land or property.
Dzuvichu said that during the state’s 40 years of statehood, not a single woman has represented in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. She also said that Nagas have yet to have a woman Gaon Burha (village head) as well.
Editor of a leading naga daily, Monalisa Changkija, in her address said that since Naga women are also citizens of the country, they too deserve all rights enshrined in the law and constitution. Asserting that local-self governance is active and village institutions such as village councils have now become civic bodies, and not traditional like it used to be, she said Naga women can contribute much to the decision-making process. The senior journalist urged the State government to implement the order passed by the high court.
Original Story: Nagaland Government must comply High Court order: PCI member