Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh has said that the selection process for a new panel of women to lead the Meghalaya State Commission for Women will not be politicised.
Phidalia Toi, who was appointed as the chairperson of the panel in December 2021 was served with a showcase notice by the department and subsequently resigned after a run-in with Lyngdoh last month.
Prior to this, Lyngdoh had announced the dismissal of Toi for associating herself with a political party’s campaign and for not attending the requisite number of MSCW meetings. The panel had described the sacking as ultra vires and against the law.
Toi finally decided to quit after attending a seminar on single mothers at the State Convention Centre stating that a show-cause was issued to her only after two press conferences by the minister.
Women social activist are keeping an eye on the next panel as they don’t want another retired officer and political appointees to head the important chair.
The Social Welfare Minister is confident that the selection will be transparent and that the search committee will identify eminent women who have serviced for the cause of women and have the knowledge and experience in dealing with issues related to women.
