Paul says decision on removal of MSCW chairperson was not done on “hearsay”

SHILLONG, JUNE 15: Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Thursday said the government will appoint somebody who is non-political as the new chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW).

Lyngdoh also maintained that his order to remove the incumbent chairperson Phidalia Toi was not done on “hearsay” and that he preferred to be right than popular on this issue.

His statement also came a day after the MSCW had termed the removal of the chairperson as “whimsical” and that the minister concerned had received inaccurate information that stated the chairperson had been absent from 3 out of 4 meetings of the Commission.

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 endorse by you so now the mind of the government is that we will appoint somebody who is non political who can deliver, who understand 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, 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.”

Stating that he would rather be right than popular, the minister said, “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.”

“If a father wants to be popular, he will give donuts to his kids but if he wants to be right, he will give them nutritious fruits so I don’t know what would you choose to be a popular father or right example to your kids,” he added.

When asked, Lyngdoh said that, “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.”

He said that the at one stage the Commission was denotified then there was the renotification then it was again examined by law department and “now we are saying that we will take a fresh look at the Commission to ensure – see the whole point is it has to deliver and for it to deliver you have to have the most competent persons as members.”

To another query, Lyngdoh said, “Once it went to the law department then if you recall this was in between the last government and the constitution of the new Assembly. So with the new government having taken over we took a fresh look at things and how would I know that she had abstained from so many meetings if that was not pointed out on file.”

Meanwhile, 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 intend to do is have a search committee so that we get the best possible person to serve as chairperson,” he said.

Pointing out that Toi has one more year as chairperson, Lyngdoh said, “It is a logical deduction. We will accordingly go in 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 further added.

By Our Reporter