Shillong: Former IAS officer Ripnar Lyngdoh was sworn in as Meghalaya’s new State Chief Information Commissioner on November 5, 2026. Governor Chandrashekhar H. Vijayashankar administered the oath of office at Lok Bhavan in Shillong.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Secretary Dr Shakil P. Ahammed, senior government officials and members of Lyngdoh’s family.
Her appointment fills the vacancy created by the death of former Chief Information Commissioner Rebecca V. Suchiang in August 2026. The Meghalaya government had issued the appointment notification on October 30.
As the head of the Meghalaya State Information Commission, Lyngdoh will oversee the functioning of the state’s transparency watchdog and its responsibilities under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
She is a State Civil Service promotee IAS officer of 2004/05 batch.
Two-Year Tenure or Until She Turns 65
According to the notification issued by the Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department, Lyngdoh will hold office for two years from the date she assumes charge or until she attains the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
Her tenure and remuneration will be governed by the applicable provisions of the Right to Information Rules, 2019.
Born on July 4, 1963, Lyngdoh will turn 65 in July 2028. Therefore, based on the stated age limit, her tenure would end on attaining that age, before the completion of the full two-year period.
Read also: Who Was Ex-IAS Rebecca Suchiang? Meghalaya’s First Khasi Woman Chief Secretary Dies at 64
Who Is Ripnar Lyngdoh?
Ripnar Lyngdoh is a retired Indian Administrative Service officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre who entered the IAS through promotion from the State Civil Service. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours in Political Science.
During her administrative career, she held several responsibilities in Meghalaya and the wider northeastern region. She served as Deputy Commissioner of Udalguri district in Assam and later held the post of Commissioner and Secretary in Meghalaya’s Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department.
She retired from government service on July 31, 2023, on attaining the age of superannuation. At the time, she was serving as Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya in the Personnel and Administrative Reforms and General Administration departments.
Earlier Served as State Information Commissioner
Lyngdoh had already been associated with the Meghalaya State Information Commission before her elevation to its top post. The state government appointed her as a State Information Commissioner through a notification issued on September 12, 2023.
Her appointment as Chief Information Commissioner now places her at the helm of the institution responsible for overseeing the implementation of the RTI Act in Meghalaya.
The Commission plays an important role in ensuring that citizens can exercise their right to access information held by public authorities. It also deals with appeals and complaints under the RTI framework, helping promote transparency and accountability in government functioning.
