Ensuring gender equality new Himachal women panel chief’s priority

Vidya Negi, who assumed charge on Friday as the Chairperson of the Himachal Pradesh State Commission for Women, announced that her priority would be to strengthen counselling support for women victims of atrocities and to ensure gender equity in all spheres of life.

Speaking after formally taking office, Negi emphasised that eliminating discrimination against women — whether at home, the workplace or in public life — would be central to her agenda. “My priority will be to ensure that women are not discriminated against in any field. We need gender equity and I will work to bring about policy-level changes at the government level to improve the status of women, be it in the political, economic or social sphere,” she said.

She stressed the need to identify root causes of domestic violence, noting that while legal and institutional mechanisms exist, many aspects such as victim counselling require significant reinforcement. “Domestic violence can never be justified. Though there is provision for counselling, the system must be strengthened to offer better support to those subjected to atrocities,” she stated.

Negi also expressed her commitment to addressing the backlog of complaints that have piled up over the past few years. “Around 1,500 complaints are currently pending with the Commission and I will ensure they are dealt with at the earliest,” said Negi, who hails from Manali.

The post of Chairperson had remained vacant for over two and a half years, resulting in a slowdown in redressal and advocacy efforts.