Meghalaya’s first tribal woman Chief Secretary, Rebecca V. Suchiang, died on Tuesday while undergoing treatment for cancer, following a prolonged battle with the disease for more than two years. Suchiang, a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, had been unwell for some time.
She became Meghalaya’s Chief Secretary on September 30, 2021, becoming the first Khasi woman to hold the State’s highest bureaucratic position.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma mourned her death and recalled her contribution to the State’s administration and public service. In a social media post, Sangma wrote, “Grieved by the passing of former Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, Kong Rebecca V. Suchiang. As the first indigenous woman Chief Secretary, Kong Rebecca made bold decisions at tough times and was respected for her leadership among her peers, her guidance to her juniors and her inspiring work ethics. She fought bravely during her illness and continued to work even after it. Her service and dedication to the state will be remembered. Extend my deepest condolences to her family and her loved ones. May she rest in peace.”
