Shillong, June 15: Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Thursday said the government will appoint someone ‘non-political’ as the new chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW).

Addressing the media, Lyngdoh informed that the department will now have a search committee for appointment of the new chairperson of the MSWC.

“It has also been pointed out in the media several times that why do you only pick up people from the political fraternity, that was a point that has been largely endorsed by you, so, now the mind of the government is that we will appoint somebody who is non-political, who can deliver, who understands issues of women – those are the parameters and we will go by those parameters,” he said.

Referring to the statement of the MSCW, Lyngdoh said, “I did not pass orders based on hearsay. I have gone through the files. There was a very elaborate report and the chairperson is by her being in office is supposed to attend four consecutive meetings. And the noting on the files clearly suggested that was not the case. And also, the fact that a complaint was lodged about her being involved with visual evidence in an election campaign.”

“I have studied the provisions of the Women Commission Act. I have gone through the notings on the file and I know what I am doing but it is very important for me to say this that as somebody who has taken oath in the name of God to act without fear or favour, affection or ill will, I would rather be right than popular.”

When asked, Lyngdoh said, “That was also part of the investigation and a show cause notice being issued that she was part of an election campaign. I have nothing to say against the individual perse but I am addressing the issue from the point of view that when you occupy a very significant office, you should have a lot of time devoted to the work you are tasked with and if you happen to be a political entity, your attention is then divided.”

The minister said the Cabinet will be informed on the matter and the reasons will be cited. “Then the constitution of a fresh body or the appointment of a new chairperson, these will be subsequently reviewed but initially what we intent to do is have a search committee so that we get the best possible person to serve as chairperson,” he maintained.

Pointing out that Phidalia Toi has one more year as chairperson, Lyngdoh said, “It is a logical deduction. We will accordingly go for search of a new chairperson.”

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