SIKKIM TO BECOME FIRST STATE TO RESERVE 40% SEATS FOR WOMEN PANCHAYATS
Gangtok ,Sep 05 :Sikkim is all set to take a radical step towards women empowerment with the cabinet approving today Chief Minister's suggestion for an even higher than recommended reservation of seats for women in Panchayat bodies of Sikkim.
Chief Minister Dr.Chamling soon upon his return from New Delhi, called a meeting with his party legislators at his residence at Mintokgang during which he brought up the proposal of increasing the percentage reserved for women in Panchayats elections from present 33% to 40%.
The percentage of seats reserved for women in Panchayats bodies all over the country is capped at 33% as decreed by the Govt.of India.However,33% slab is the minimum required and it can be increased at higher level on prerogative of state governments.Sikkim at present also have 33% slab of reservation for women.
This generous enhancement in Sikkim poises state to become an even more unique state and add another firsts to many of other firsts achieved under the ChiefMinistership of SDF leader Dr. Chamling.
The approval of cabinet of this proposal of Chief Minister makes way for bringing it up again for approval in upcoming SLA session scheduled from tomorrow as relevant amendments would be made in the Sikkim Panchayat Act to incorporate now higher reservation level for women reaching up to 40%.
It is also endeavour of Dr. Chamling to make sure that newly proposed reservation quota for women is implemented in Panchyats election scheduled later this year.The new reservation format ,apart from ensuring a stronger presence of women at the grass root level of leadership and also handle the complications of calculating 33% quota as experienced in small states like Sikkim such as 5 member panchayat required 1 1/2 seat reservation for women on 33% slab.The level of 40% would provide 2 out of 5 for women members.
The Cabinet meeting also reported to have discussed Bills to be presented in the SLA during its session beginning from September 06,2007 which would include Sikkim Police Bill,Sikkim Prisons Bills, and also the bill for first amendment to Sikkim Municipalities Act besides proposed amendment to Sikkim Panchayat Act as approved by cabinet.
