In a rare instance of an unusually strict punishment, the Union Government has dismissed a serving 2003-batch AGMUT cadre IAS officer, Padma Jaiswal, over corruption charges.
According to sources, the dismissal order was issued earlier this week after getting final approval from the President of India on the recommendation of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). In matters concerning AGMUT cadre officers, the DoPT takes such decisions on the basis of the Home Ministry’s recommendations.
However, as per The Indian Express, Jaiswal feigned ignorance, saying, “I am not aware of any such development or any dismissal order being passed.”
This harsh action against Jaiswal is linked to allegations dating back to 2007-08, when she was serving as the Deputy Commissioner of West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh. Local residents there had lodged a complaint in Feb. 2008 accusing her of misusing her official position and misappropriating government funds. She was suspended in April 2008, although the suspension was later revoked in October 2010.
The Home Ministry started the disciplinary action in accordance with the All-India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, and charge memoranda were provided to Jaiswal in 2009 and 2010. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) suggested her ouster, but the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) dismissed the Home Ministry’s proceedings. The Centre then moved the Delhi High Court against the CAT order. The High Court decided in favour of the Centre on 1st April of this year.
The MHA completed the procedure and suggested the major punishment of removal after the HC’s decision.
A graduate from the University Business School, Panjab University, Jaiswal holds an MBA and is also a certified company secretary. During her career spanning more than two decades, Jaiswal held several important positions in Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, and Puducherry.
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