Overview
- The Union government issued a removal-from-service order for Padma Jaiswal this week after the President approved a recommendation from the Department of Personnel and Training based on the Home Ministry’s disciplinary findings.
- The case traces to 2007–08 in West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh, where local complaints accused the then deputy commissioner of misusing her position and diverting government revenue, leading to a 2008 suspension that was revoked in 2010.
- The Central Administrative Tribunal had set aside the Home Ministry’s action on jurisdiction grounds, but the Delhi High Court on April 1 restored the proceedings and cleared the way for a final decision.
- Officials consulted the Central Vigilance Commission and the Union Public Service Commission, and the UPSC advised removal, a rare major penalty for an IAS officer under Rule 8 of the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules.
- Jaiswal said she was not aware of any dismissal order, while some reports cite a CBI chargesheet alleging about ₹28 lakh was misappropriated during her Arunachal posting, a criminal matter that is distinct from the administrative penalty.