The state government has started the process to fill five vacancies in the Punjab State Commission for Women. The chairman's post has been vacant since December 30, 2011, while four non-official members retired during the course of the year.
A Nawanshahr-based NGO 'Help' had filed a public interest litigation in the Punjab and Haryana high court, in which it was brought to court's notice that the commission had been non-function since May this year, after the completion of terms of the chairman and four non-official members.

Last month, the court had directed the state government to explain the non-appointment of the chairperson and non-official members.

An official with the state's Social Security and Women and Child Development Department said that department had advertised the posts to avoid litigation.