Shillong, Aug 18:Rebecca V Suchiang, known as the first female Chief Secretary from one of Meghalaya’s indigenous communities, died early today morning following a prolonged illness.
Suchiang was a member of the 1989 batch of the IAS and began her career as Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) at Nongpoh and Sohra. Over the years she held several important assignments, serving as Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi, Commissioner of Taxes, Director and later Director General of MATI and Commissioner of Division in Shillong. She also served as Commissioner and Secretary and Principal Secretary in key departments of the state government, including Personnel and Administrative Reforms, Home, Education, Finance, Cabinet Affairs, Tourism and Cooperation, many of which she guided for long tenures.
She went on to serve as Additional Chief Secretary, as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the Meghalaya Energy Corp Ltd (MeECL) and as Chairman of the Board of Revenue. She made history as the first tribal woman to be appointed Chief Secretary of Meghalaya. She retired on superannuation at the end of July 2022. Last year she was appointed as the State Chief Information Commissioner.
Tributes were led by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who Suchiang had served under. In a social media post he said that she “made bold decisions at tough times and was respected for her leadership among her peers, her guidance to her juniors and her inspiring work ethics. She fought bravely during her illness and continued to work even after it. Her service and dedication to the state will be remembered.”
He also personally delivered his condolences to Suchiang’s family at her home. Again taking to social media, the CM said, “the state mourns the loss of its first indigenous woman Chief Secretary. She left her mark on those that worked with her and I was fortunate to be one of them.”
The United Democratic Party (UDP) also expressed its grief at Suchiang’s passing. In a condolence message, the party described the deceased as a trailblazer and the first indigenous woman to serve as Chief Secretary of the State. The UDP said she led with courage, wisdom, and unwavering integrity. The party noted that her bold decisions during challenging times, her steadfast commitment to public service, and her dedication to the people of Meghalaya will always be remembered with great respect.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya IAS Officers’ Association held a condolence meeting today to mourn the death of Suchiang.
At the meeting, members paid tribute to her exemplary service and her deep commitment to the cadre. They recalled a career that spanned more than three decades in the service of Meghalaya and her unwavering commitment to work, strong sense of discipline and unimpeachable integrity. They also spoke of her kindness, generosity and genuine concern for everyone around her, qualities that endeared her to colleagues and juniors alike.
The meeting observed a period of silence as a mark of respect and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
