WOMEN EMPOWERMENT THROUGH RESERVATION IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE IN NAGALAND

Nagaland became the first Indian state to institute a quota for female citizens. The Nagaland Municipal (First Amendment) Act, 2006, which established quotas for women in urban local bodies, was passed by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. This change aimed to advance gender parity and guarantee women's representation in municipal decision-making. Women's reservation in Nagaland has helped increase their political representation and economic independence. It has allowed women to have their voices heard, fight for their rights, and participate in policymaking at the local level. In addition, political groups have been motivated by the reservation policy to run more women candidates in the next elections. As a result, more women are participating in politics and gaining experience in administration, which can help drive them into positions of greater authority. The Nagaland Municipal (Second Amendment) Act of 2016 legally established women's reservations in Nagaland. All urban local authorities were required to set aside one-third of their seats for women following this law, and so elections were held in February 2017 to form these bodies. The methodology taken is descriptive analysis. KEYWORDS: Reservation, Local Governance, Gender Equality, Women’s Representation, Women’s Rights