MSCW Chairperson resigned

Chairperson of the Mizoram State Commission for Women (MSCW) C. Lalchhandami tendered her resignation two days ahead of the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) deadline for her resignation over controversy of her real age. Lalchhandami, in her letter of resignation to the secretary for state social welfare, tribal affairs, women & child development department on Saturday evening said that she resigned as chairperson of the commission to avoid political confrontation and to protect the good reputation of the MSCW.

The MNF gave the deadline for her resignation by Monday 5 pm and has threatened to intensify pressure if she fails to resign by the deadline. The MNF legal board alleged that Lalchhandami’s date of birth according to her baptismal certificate record maintained by the Presbyterian Church Mizoram Synod was March 30, 1956 and that she retired from government service on superannuation for reaching the age of 60 on March 31, 2016. According to the Mizoram State Commission for Women Act, 2004 and rules 2008, a chairperson should not hols the post after attainment of 65 years of age and she was 68 years old when she was appointed in the post on March 8 last, the MNF alleged.

However, in her letter of resignation, Lalchhandami maintains that she is still eligible to continue as the chairperson as far as her actual age is concerned and resigned only to avoid attacks against the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) party by the opposition. She also said that she resigned after consulting the ZPM leadership as she felt that she will no longer be able to work effectively and with enthusiasm in view of the political atmosphere against her.