SHILLONG: Cabinet Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh of Meghalaya recently expressed her view that women should not serve as heads of village dorbars, but she does support their involvement in the executive committees of these traditional administrative bodies.
In her statement, Lyngdoh underscored her respect for the customary practice that assigns the role of caring for families and children to women while men play an active role in village dorbars, including the position of headman.
Lyngdoh noted that the concept of the headman within Khasi society was likely formulated by their forefathers who possessed foresight and may have held the view that women were not suited for the role of headman.
At the same time, she expressed satisfaction that the women's reservation bill mandates reserved seats for women in state assemblies and Parliament. She urged women to consider joining electoral politics in 2028 or 2029, which would see the reservation of seats for women.
Lyngdoh highlighted the importance of this 33% reservation, emphasizing that it provides an opportunity for women to become lawmakers. She anticipated that not less than 20 Assembly seats would be reserved for women in the state, fostering increased female participation in politics.
Earlier, Meghalaya minister Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh expressed her happiness over the tabling of the women's reservation bill in parliament on Tuesday, saying it was a day of jubilation for all women across the country. Lyngdoh said she hoped for Bill to become law at the earliest. The bill aims to ensure a fair representation of women in Parliament as well as other legislative bodies. Lyngdoh said, "I am delighted. This is a day of jubilation for all of us, for women across the country. I look forward to the bill taking the shape of a law at the earliest. I hope we will soon see assemblies giving a fairer chance to women to participate actively in politics."
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