SHILLONG: Meghalaya Governor C. H. Vijayashankar, on Monday, highlighted the low representation of women in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, noting that only three out of the 60 members in the House are currently women.
Speaking at a programme organised by the Meghalaya Social Welfare Department at the Dorbar Hall, Lok Bhavan, to celebrate International Women’s Day and mark 11 years of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, the Governor stressed the urgent need to enhance women’s participation in the state’s political landscape.
Vijayashankar said the current situation underscores the importance of encouraging more women to enter politics and contribute to governance and decision-making in Meghalaya.
He also expressed hope that the proposed 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures would soon be implemented. According to him, if the reservation policy comes into effect—possibly by the next election—the number of women legislators in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly could rise to around 20 members.
The Governor further noted that one of Meghalaya’s two parliamentary constituencies could potentially be reserved for women in the future, which would further strengthen women’s representation at the national level.
Calling on women across the state to prepare themselves for leadership roles, Vijayashankar urged them to actively participate in the political process and take up responsibilities in governance and public life.
