Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government removed Minati Behera from her position as Chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Women (OSCW) on Monday, citing unsatisfactory performance.
According to the official notification, Behera had previously been issued a show-cause notice and asked to respond by November 1.
After reviewing her reply, the Department of Women & Child Development found it inadequate and felt it did not address the Commission’s performance issues. As a result, her removal was ordered.
The notification stated, “In pursuance of Provision of Sub-section 3 of Section 4 of the Orissa State Commission for Women Act, 1993, the Chairperson of OSCW was issued Show cause Notice to submit her reply by 04.00 P.M., 1st November, 2024 vide this Department letter no.24896, dated 29.10.2024. After thorough and careful examination of show cause reply submitted by the Chairperson, OSCW, it is observed that the reply is inadequate and does not justify the unsatisfactory performance of the Commission.”
It further mentioned: “In view of above facts and circumstances, the State Government hereby orders the removal of Smt. Minati Behera, Chairperson of OSCW appointed vide this Department Notification No.16810, dated 12.10.2022 in exigency of public interest forthwith invoking the powers conferred under Section 4 (3) of the Act.”
It is pertinent to note that Behera had previously been accused of refusing to vacate her position despite being dismissed by the state government.
