Mizo women body hails women reservation in local bodies

Aizawl:The All Mizoram Women Federation (AMWF) hailed amend-ment to the 62-year-old village councils act that envisages reservation of seats for women in the local bodies elections.
Addressing a news conference here yesterday, AMWF president Dr Jane Ralte hailed the Lushai Hills District (Village Councils) Act, 2014 as a major milestone in regards to political empowerment of women in the patriarchal Mizo society.
As per the amended Act, one seat will be reserved for women in a village council having three seats to five seats, two seats for women in a village council having seven seats, and three women seats in a village council having nine seats.
The State Election Com-mission is gearing up to conduct elections to village councils in Mizoram, with the exception of the three autonomous district coun-cils, during February. This will be the first time that seats are reserved for wom-en in Mizoram village polls.
Addressing a press conference in Aizawl, AMWF President Dr Jane R Ralte said the Mizo Marriage, Divorce and Inheritance of Property Act 2014 was enacted by the State Legislature on November 12, 2014, but was yet to be in force.(UNI)