Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj
2026-02-18
Minister Paulraj clarified that the appointment of the Executive Director of the Women's Committee is not within her ministerial authority, explaining that under the relevant Act, appointments are made through the Presidential Secretariat by the President, with the Ministry only forwarding nominations. She noted that the Women's Committee is an institution registered under her Ministry, established under legislation aimed at women's empowerment and the creation of a National Commission on Women. The Minister directed this clarification specifically at the Leader of the Opposition, emphasizing that the appointment in question does not rest with her.
Mr. Speaker, the selection of the Executive Director is not a function carried out by me as Minister. We can only forward nominations. As per the Act, appointments are made through the Presidential Secretariat, via the President. The Women’s Committee is an institution registered under our Ministry. The very first page of the Act states its purposes include making provision for women’s empowerment and development and the establishment of a National Commission on Women. I reiterate to the Leader of the Opposition: it is not my appointment.