In a rare disciplinary move, Padma Jaiswal, a 2003-batch IAS officer from the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and Union Territories) cadre, has been dismissed from service following long-standing corruption allegations.
Jaiswal was serving as the Special Secretary in the Delhi government's Administrative Reforms Department when she was sacked. She was removed following a corruption case dating back nearly 15 years.
Why was Padma Jaiswal sacked from the post?
The charges against Jaiswal include misappropriation of government revenue and misuse of her official position nearly two decades ago. It dates back to 2007-2008, during her tenure as the Deputy Commissioner of West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh.
Misutilisation and diversion of public funds intended for district development and government revenue, using her position as Deputy Commissioner to facilitate these irregularities, and failing to maintain "absolute integrity and devotion to duty"- a direct violation of the All India Service (Conduct) Rules.
Initially, the allegations against Jaiswal surfaced in 2008. Complaints were filed by locals in Arunachal Pradesh, leading to her suspension in April, 2009.
In 2010, her suspension was lifted, and she continued to serve in various roles across Delhi, Goa, and Puducherry. The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) had previously quashed the disciplinary proceedings, arguing that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) lacked the authority to act against her.
However, in April 2026, the Delhi High Court overturned the CAT’s ruling, allowing the disciplinary process to resume. Following the HC ruling, after recommendations from the MHA, UPSC, and CVC, the President of India approved her formal removal from service.
