In a rare example of an exceptionally stringent punishment, the Union Government has terminated a serving 2003-batch AGMUT cadre IAS officer, Padma Jaiswal, over corruption allegations.
According to sources, the dismissal directive was issued earlier this week after receiving 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 based on the Home Ministry’s recommendations.
However, according to The Indian Express, Jaiswal expressed unawareness, stating, “I am not aware of any such development or any dismissal order being passed.”
This severe action against Jaiswal is connected to allegations dating back to 2007-08, when she was serving as the Deputy Commissioner of West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh. Local residents had filed a complaint in Feb. 2008 accusing her of abusing her official position and misappropriating government funds. She was suspended in April 2008, though the suspension was later revoked in October 2010.
The Home Ministry initiated disciplinary proceedings under the All-India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, and charge memoranda were issued to Jaiswal in 2009 and 2010. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) recommended her removal, but the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) quashed the Home Ministry’s proceedings. The Centre subsequently approached the Delhi High Court against the CAT order. The High Court ruled in favour of the Centre on April 1 this year.
The MHA completed the process and proposed the major penalty of dismissal following the HC’s judgment.
A graduate of the University Business School, Panjab University, Jaiswal holds an MBA degree and is also a certified company secretary. During her career spanning more than two decades, Jaiswal served in several key positions in Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, and Puducherry.