The All Mizoram Village Council Association (AMVCA) has criticized the Mizoram government’s decision to shorten the current term of village councils as “undemocratic,” vowing to challenge the order in the Gauhati High Court. A notification from the local administration department announced a six-month curtailment of village councils’ terms, ending on February 19, 2024, excluding those in three autonomous district council areas in the state’s south.
AMVCA President K Lalngaizuala stated that a resolution to approach the high court was unanimously adopted during a recent village council conference in Aizawl. The association aims to defend the rights and reputation of the village councils. The decision has faced backlash from various quarters, including opposition parties.
The Congress accused the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) of shortening the terms due to difficulties in cooperating with councils led by opposition parties. Conversely, Mizoram Local Administration Minister C Lalsawivunga justified the decision as a means to better manage state funds and adjust for extensions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lalsawivunga revealed the state received a post-devolution revenue deficit grant amounting to Rs 122.83 crore for the 2023-2024 fiscal year and Rs 89.91 crore monthly for the current fiscal. The 15th Finance Commission recommended a PDRD grant of Rs 48.83 crore per month for the 2025-2026 fiscal. Amid financial constraints, Mizoram faces upcoming civic polls, including village, local councils, and Lai Autonomous District Council elections, in addition to Aizawl Municipal Corporation elections in early 2026.
The minister emphasized that curtailing the village councils’ term and conducting elections ensure minimal inconvenience for the public. The last polls for village and local councils were held in August 2020.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/mizoram/story/mizoram-government-faces-backlash-for-shortening-village-councils-term-1128065-2024-11-27?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2024-11-27 14:40:00
