·         ULB’s are municipal entities responsible for the governance and administration of cities or towns based on specified population criteria.

·        They are empowered by state governments to perform a wide range of functions including public health, welfare, regulatory duties, ensuring public safety, undertaking public infrastructure projects, and facilitating urban development activities.

What is the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act?

·         This was enacted during P.V. Narasimha Rao’s government in 1992 and effective from 1st June 1993, constitutionalized urban local governance in India.

·        It introduced Part IX-A into the Constitution, encompassing Articles 243-P to 243-ZG.

o   Additionally, the amendment included the 12th Schedule, which outlines 18 specific functional responsibilities of municipalities.

·        The struggle for the reservation of 33% seats for women dates back to 2001 and was formally addressed in 2006.

·        Efforts to implement the quota faced opposition, leading to violent protests in 2017.

·        The recent amendments to the Nagaland Municipal Act of 2023 paved the way for the current ULB polls with increased representation for women.

·        Societal prejudices and a male-dominated political party structure hinder women’s participation in elections.

o   There is a stereotype that women are suited for “soft” ministries like Social Welfare and Women and Child Development.

·        Family obligations and childcare responsibilities often limit women’s ability to engage fully in demanding election campaigns.

·        Women politicians face harassment, abuse, and threats, creating hostile environments that deter their participation.

·        Financial dependence on families and limited access to campaign financing are additional barriers.

·        Reservation Issue:

o   Traditional tribal and urban organizations oppose the 33% reservation for women in legislatures, citing Article 371A which grants special provisions to Nagaland.

o   The Naga Hoho argues that women have historically not been part of decision-making bodies in Nagaland.

o   Municipal seats in Nagaland are not reserved for women, unlike in other states.

·        Protest Demands:  Tribal bodies and civil society groups in Nagaland threatened to boycott elections until the Municipal Act of 2001, incorporating women’s reservation, aligns with the provisions of Article 371A.