Nine tribal bodies including women representatives submitted a memorandum to the Fifteenth Finance Commission (FFC) Tuesday evening, specifically on the need to revive special category status for Nagaland which it once enjoyed.
The memo, submitted to FFC chairman, was signed by representatives of Chakhesang Public organization, Eastern Naga Peoples’ Organization, Eastern Naga Women Organization, Ao Senden, Angami Public Organization, Sumi Hoho, Lotha Hoho, Eastern Naga Students’ Federation and Pochury Women Organization.
Sources told Nagaland Post that the memorandum highlighted Article 371(A) through which the state had once enjoyed a special status. However, since the special category in funding and development was discontinued, the hohos urged the FFC to restore the status. They also sought special attention for the two-lane Trans Nagaland Highway project, asserting that it would enhance the economic growth of the state. Further, the tribal hohos also informed FFC that the Chiethu Greenfield airport was a commitment of former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
As major funding from the Centre had been blocked for urban local bodies, it was learnt that FFC chairman shared his concern about the 33% women reservation and asked why Municipal election were not being held.
To this, sources said the tribal leaders pointed out that though local body elections were much needed, there were issues conflicting Article 371(A). They also clarified that the hohos had no intention to discriminate women. The hohos expressed optimism to resolve the issue with the help of the cabinet sub-committee setup to look in to the matter.
Supplementing the hoho leaders, a women representative requested FFC to continue the flow of funds till such time the issue was resolved through the cabinet sub-committee. Sources said the FFC took note of the genuine issue and the positive step to resolve the matter.