New Delhi: In a rare disciplinary action against a serving IAS officer, the Centre has removed Padma Jaiswal from service over alleged corruption and financial irregularities dating back nearly two decades. The move has triggered a row after Jaiswal told reporters that she was “not aware” of any such dismissal order.
Jaiswal, a 2003-batch officer of the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories) cadre, was serving as Special Secretary in Delhi government’s Administrative Reforms Department when the order was reportedly issued. According to official sources quoted by multiple reports, the dismissal received final approval from the President of India following recommendations from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
What is the case against Padma Jaiswal?
The controversy stems from Jaiswal’s tenure as Deputy Commissioner of West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh during 2007-08. She has been accused of alleged misappropriation and misuse of government funds, besides violating All India Services conduct rules related to integrity and devotion to duty.
Reports indicate that complaints against her first surfaced in 2008, following which preliminary inquiries were initiated. She was suspended the same year, and disciplinary proceedings formally began in 2009 under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969.
The inquiry process stretched over several years, involving advice from the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). According to tribunal records, the UPSC had recommended “removal from service” as a major penalty.
Why is the case significant?
The action is being viewed as unusual because dismissal or removal of serving IAS officers is relatively rare. Senior bureaucrats are typically protected by lengthy procedural safeguards, including departmental inquiries and consultations with constitutional bodies like the UPSC.
The case has also drawn attention because the allegations date back nearly 18 years, highlighting the long timeline often involved in disciplinary proceedings against senior civil servants.
Why is there a row now?
The controversy intensified after Jaiswal reportedly denied knowledge of the order. “I am not aware of any such development or any dismissal order being passed,” she told Indian Express.
Her response has raised questions over whether the order had been formally communicated to her at the time media reports surfaced. Earlier legal proceedings linked to the case had also involved disputes over whether disciplinary orders and UPSC advice were properly served to her. The Centre has not yet issued a detailed public statement on the matter.
