Shillong: The Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) finally has a new Chairperson after a long wait.
The state cabinet appointed Iamonlang M Syiem to the post on Wednesday.
Syiem previously served as the Chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. She retired from that position in March after reaching the mandatory age of 65.
However, to allow Syiem to take on this new role, the cabinet raised the age limit for the MSCW Chairperson from 65 to 70. This decision caused a delay in the appointment as the cabinet sought legal advice from the Law Department.
The MSCW had been without a leader since Phidalia Toi, the previous Chairperson, was removed for reportedly participating in a political rally last year.
According to Paul Lyngdoh, the government spokesperson and Social Welfare Minister, Syiem brings vast experience in protecting children and women’s rights. She is also a retired Associate Professor and former Head of the Department of Sociology at St Edmund’s College.
Another factor contributing to the delay was the Model Code of Conduct enforced during the recent Lok Sabha elections.