Centre Removes 2003-Batch AGMUT IAS Officer Padma Jaiswal from Service Following Prolonged Disciplinary Proceedings

The Central Government has removed Padma Jaiswal, a 2003-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the AGMUT cadre, from service after a detailed inquiry into corruption allegations dating back nearly two decades. This action represents a significant step in a long-running disciplinary case involving financial irregularities during her early posting in Arunachal Pradesh.

Jaiswal, who was serving as Special Secretary in the Delhi Government’s Department of Administrative Reforms, faced the major penalty of removal after the process received final approval from the President of India. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) acted on the recommendation of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which serves as the cadre-controlling authority for AGMUT officers.

Image via NORTHEAST NOW | OpIndia

Background of the Allegations

The case traces its origins to 2007-08, when Jaiswal served as Deputy Commissioner of West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh, with headquarters in Bomdila. In February 2008, local residents filed a complaint alleging misuse of official position and misappropriation of government funds. She was placed under suspension in April 2008 (with some records noting 2009), though the suspension was later revoked in October 2010.

Formal disciplinary proceedings were initiated by the MHA under Rule 8 of the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969. Charge memoranda were issued to her in 2009 and 2010. The inquiry involved consultations with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which ultimately recommended her removal from service.

Parallel CBI Investigation

Separately, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took up the matter and filed a chargesheet in September 2024 against Jaiswal and two other officials from that period — then Finance and Accounts Officer Nor Bahadur Sonar and Cashier Rinchin Phuntsok. The agency alleged that Jaiswal abused her position by withdrawing government cash for personal purposes, preparing demand drafts, and remitting approximately ₹28 lakh to private accounts, including for property-related transactions in the names of relatives. The probe highlighted procedural lapses, such as the dissolution of Deposit at Call Receipts (DCRs) created from government funds.

Legal Journey and Delhi High Court Ruling

Jaiswal had challenged the disciplinary proceedings before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), which quashed them on the grounds that the MHA lacked jurisdiction over AGMUT cadre officers. The Union Government appealed this decision to the Delhi High Court. On April 1, 2026, the High Court overturned the CAT’s order, observing that the tribunal had erred in its findings. The court restored the disciplinary proceedings, enabling the MHA to proceed with the recommendation for removal.

Career Profile

A 2003-batch officer born on October 6, 1975, Padma Jaiswal holds qualifications including B.Com in Accountancy, M.Com in Management, and C.S. in Company Management. Over her more than two-decade career, she served in various key administrative roles across Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, and Puducherry. She contributed to the implementation of several national flagship programmes, including Digital India, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.

When contacted by The Indian Express, Jaiswal stated that she was not aware of any dismissal order being passed.

The MGMM Outlook 

The Centre’s decision to remove Padma Jaiswal from the Indian Administrative Service after nearly two decades of disciplinary and legal proceedings reflects the government’s continued emphasis on institutional accountability and administrative integrity. The case highlights how misconduct allegations within the civil services, even when prolonged, can ultimately lead to decisive action through a combination of departmental scrutiny, vigilance oversight, and judicial intervention. It also reinforces the message that public office carries long-term responsibility, with transparency and ethical conduct remaining non-negotiable standards.

At a broader level, the development underscores the importance of strengthening trust in governance systems by ensuring that disciplinary mechanisms remain active and effective regardless of rank or tenure. The resolution of such high-profile cases signals a stronger commitment to procedural fairness and anti-corruption enforcement, while also serving as a reminder to the bureaucracy that institutional credibility depends heavily on consistent accountability and adherence to public service values.

(Sources: OpIndia, Indian Express)