New Delhi: In a rare disciplinary action against a serving Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, the Central government has removed Padma Jaiswal, a 2003-batch AGMUT cadre officer, from service over corruption allegations dating back nearly two decades. According to The Economic Times, the decision was approved by the President of India following recommendations made by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
Padma Jaiswal was accused of misusing her official position and allegedly misappropriating government funds during her tenure as Deputy Commissioner of West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh in 2007-08. Reports stated that complaints were initially filed by local residents in 2008, after which she was suspended the same year. However, the suspension was later revoked in 2010 while the disciplinary proceedings continued.
As reported by The Economic Times and The Indian Express, the Ministry of Home Affairs initiated proceedings under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) were also consulted during the investigation, with the UPSC reportedly recommending her removal from service.
During her administrative career spanning over two decades, Jaiswal served in several key positions across Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, and Puducherry. Before the latest action, she was serving in the Delhi government as a Special Secretary in the Department of Administrative Reforms.
According to information available on her LinkedIn profile cited by The Economic Times, Padma Jaiswal studied at St. Xavier’s School before pursuing higher education at University Business School, Panjab University. She holds an MBA degree and is also a qualified Company Secretary certified by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. In addition, she reportedly worked as a UGC Research Fellow with academic interests in business administration, management, financial management, and international affairs.
The case has attracted significant public attention because dismissals of serving IAS officers are considered uncommon in India’s administrative system.