Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 15 2009:
Raising the demand for nominating women to the nominee members of all the District Councils of Manipur, Tribal Rights Protection Movement (TRPM), Manipur has submitted a memorandum to the Governor.
According to the provisions of Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council (Third Amendment) Act, 2008, 24 members in each of the six District Councils of Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel, Churachandpur, Sadar Hills and Tamenglong would be appointed through election while 2 each would be nominated by the Government of Manipur.
TRPM has demanded that the two nominees should be women and the Act should be accordingly amended again to include this provision.
Addressing a press conference at Manipur Press Club here this afternoon after submitting the memorandum to the Governor, TRPM secretary TKT Kipgen observed that failure of keeping any reservation for women in the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council (Third Amendment) Act, 2008 was unfortunate.
Reservation of seats for women in a grassroots institution like the Council in the hills is essential and the two seats for nominee members should be reserved for women.
As per the Article 242 and 243 of the Indian Constitution, 33 percent reservation of seats for women are being kept in the Panchayat and Municipal elections, he pointed out.
Other demands that have been highlighted in the memorandum submitted to the Governor include payment of salary and pension to the Government employees before Christmas, distribution of PDS items before Christmas, ensuring adequate provision for power supply during Christmas celebration, to prevent price rise during Christmas shopping and maintenance of law and order during Christmas celebration.
TKT Kipgen informed that the Governor has given his assurance of doing the needful and taking up the issue of TRPM with the Chief Minister.