Idashisha Nongrang has shattered ceilings by becoming the first woman Director General of Police (DGP) in Meghalaya, a state known for its matrilineal traditions and dominated by three ethnic communities. A member of the 1992 batch of the Indian Police Service, she will succeed Lajja Ram Bishnoi upon his retirement on May 19.
Hailing from the Khasi community, Nongrang currently serves as the Director General of Meghalaya Civil Defence and had previously acted as the DGP in 2021. The appointment notification, issued on Saturday, announced her tenure effective May 20, 2024, with a term extending until May 19, 2026.
The Khasis, along with the Garos and Jaintias, form the matrilineal backbone of Meghalaya society. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed his jubilation, marking Nongrang’s appointment as a historic moment for tribal women in the state, emphasizing her role in shattering barriers.
Nongrang’s selection came after recommendations from the Union Public Service Commission, which considered her alongside other candidates. Notably, there was widespread support from major political parties, including the United Democratic Party, Voice of the People Party, and the State unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party, advocating for the appointment of a local IPS officer like Nongrang to the prestigious position.
