ITANAGAR, Jun 13: The Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) has questioned Pema Khandu government’s silence regarding the arbitrary appointments to the fifth body of the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW).
It said that the government was undermining the rights of the women of the state by maintaining silence on the arbitrary appointment even though the APWWS has been waiting since March for the government to make necessary rectification.
Despite the chief minister’s assurance to address the issue within a week, which was on 14 May, there has been no response from the state government till date, said Kani Nada Maling, the secretary general of the organization.
According to the APWWS, appointments of the APSCW chairperson, vice chairperson and a member were done overlooking the laid down norms.
“None of those appointed to the commission had applied for the position, which is a clear violation of the norms”, the APWWS said.
Chief Secretary Satya Gopal had invited the team for talks but there was no outcome. Later, the APWWS also met Women & Child Development Minister Nabam Rebia.
On Wednesday, members of the APWWS met the governor to apprise him of the situation.
In a representation to the Governor, the APWWS stated that the state government overlooked sub-section 1 and 5 of section (5) of the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) Act, 2002 and its amendment Act, 2005 and arbitrarily made the appointments.
Citing RTI documents, the APWWS said that there have been procedural lapses and violation of laid down rules of the APSCW Act, 2002.
“As per provision of the APSCW Act, 2002, the preceding commission has to prepare the panel of candidates for the purpose of constitution of subsequent commission. However, none of the present members are in the empanelled lists recommended by the outgoing commission as per the RTI furnished by the APSCW,” the APWWS added.
