Padma Jaiswal, a 2003-batch Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories cadre officer, is currently serving as Special Secretary in the Administrative Reforms Department of the Delhi government. According to a report published by Indian Express on Thursday, the Centre issued an order removing her from service following disciplinary proceedings linked to allegations dating back nearly two decades.
The report stated that the action stems from accusations related to 2007-08, when Jaiswal was posted as Deputy Commissioner of West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh. A complaint filed by local residents in February 2008 alleged misappropriation of government revenue and misuse of official position. Following the allegations, she was placed under suspension in April 2008.
Her suspension was later revoked in October 2010, according to the report.
When contacted regarding the reported dismissal, Jaiswal denied having knowledge of any such order. “I am not aware of any such development or any dismissal order being passed,” she was quoted as saying.
Official sources cited in the report stated that the removal order was issued earlier this week after receiving final approval from the President of India on the recommendation of the Department of Personnel and Training, which functions under the Prime Minister’s authority. Matters concerning officers of the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories cadre fall within the jurisdiction of the Department of Personnel and Training.
The report further stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs initiated disciplinary proceedings against Jaiswal under Rule 8 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules. The provision outlines procedures for imposing major penalties on officers belonging to the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, and Indian Forest Service.
According to the report, charge memoranda were served to Jaiswal in 2009 and 2010, formally initiating disciplinary proceedings. The Central Vigilance Commission and the Union Public Service Commission were consulted during the process, and the Union Public Service Commission eventually recommended her removal from service.
The matter also witnessed a prolonged legal battle. The Central Administrative Tribunal had earlier set aside the proceedings against Jaiswal, holding that the Ministry of Home Affairs lacked jurisdiction over officers belonging to the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories cadre. The Centre subsequently challenged the tribunal’s order before the Delhi High Court.
On April 1 this year, the Delhi High Court ruled in favour of the Centre, strengthening the government’s position in the disciplinary case.
Despite the ongoing proceedings, Jaiswal remained part of the administrative system and was included among 72 senior officers in a major bureaucratic reshuffle carried out by the Delhi government in February this year. During the reshuffle, she was assigned the post of Special Secretary in the Administrative Reforms Department after awaiting posting.
The reported move against Padma Jaiswal marks a significant development within the Indian bureaucracy, highlighting the Centre’s pursuit of disciplinary action in a case that has remained under scrutiny for nearly 18 years and has traversed multiple administrative and judicial stages.
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