Shimla, June 20,
Himachal Pradesh government on Friday appointed Vidya Negi of Manali, Kullu, as the Chairperson of the Himachal Pradesh State Commission for Women. The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment issued the official notification today, confirming her nomination for a term of three years.
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The post had remained vacant for the past 30 months, stalling the functioning of the Commission and leading to a backlog of over 1,500 unresolved complaints, most of which pertain to domestic violence. Without a chairperson, the Commission was unable to conduct hearings or deliver justice to aggrieved women.
Vidya Negi is a seasoned Congress leader and is considered close to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. She has held various roles over her three-decade-long association with the party, including Kullu District Mahila Congress Vice President, District Congress Committee President, State Social Media Coordinator, and National Coordinator of the National Mahila Congress.
With her appointment, the Commission is expected to resume its core functions. The Chairperson plays a key role in holding hearings, both at the Commission’s office and in outreach courts across districts, to ensure that women from remote areas do not have to travel to Shimla to seek justice.
In many cases, the Commission refers matters to the police and concerned departments for further action. Some disputes are resolved through mediation at the Commission level itself.
The appointment comes as a much-needed step to revive the Commission’s role in safeguarding women’s rights in the state. The government notification was issued under the Himachal Pradesh State Commission for Women Act, 1996, and relevant rules notified in 1999.
