Shillong, June 15: Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh said on Thursday that he will apprise Chief Minister on the need to remove the chairperson of women’s commission Phidalia Toi.
Speaking to reporters, Paul said the file notings reveal that the chairperson of women’s commission did not attend meeting for four consecutive times which calls for action.
He also referred to the complaint with the election comission as Toi had accompanied for Jowai NPP candidate during the filing of nominations for the 2018 Assembly polls.
According to Paul, the government will appoint somebody who is non-political as the new chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for Women.
Paul informed that the department will now have a search committee for appointment of the new chairperson.
“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 person who can deliver, who understand issues of women – those are the parameters and we will go by those parameters,” he said.
The entire team of women’s commission had made it clear that the chairperson attended the meetings and that she was doing her duty.
In response, 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.”
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 to have a search committee so that we get the best possible person to serve as chairperson,” he said.
When pointed out that Toi has one more year as chairperson, Paul said, “It is a logical deduction. We will accordingly go for search of a new chairperson.”
“I will be consulting the chief minister of course. After consulting with the CM we will then take the matter to the cabinet for briefing and also to take suggestions from other members of the cabinet.” he added.
