In a massive crackdown, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has dismissed 223 employees of the capital's women's commission. It is alleged that AAP MP Swati Maliwal made the appointments during her term as chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women in violation of the rules.
The order from the lieutenant governor's office quotes the Delhi Commission for Women Act and says the panel has a sanctioned strength of 40 employees and 223 new posts have been created without the approval of the lieutenant governor. The order also states that the commission has no authority to employ employees on contract basis.
The order also states that the commission has been informed that it will not take any step “which will impose additional financial liability on the government” without the approval of the finance department.
An investigation revealed that these appointments had not been made in accordance with established procedures. “Furthermore, the increase in remuneration and allowances for DCW staff was without adequate justification and contrary to laid down procedures and guidelines,” it added.
Before joining Rajya Sabha as an AAP MP, Ms Maliwal headed the Delhi Commission for Women for nine years. The position of chair of the panel is currently vacant. The order states that Ms. Maliwal was repeatedly advised to seek approval from the finance department regarding the appointments.
The AAP and Ms Maliwal are yet to respond to the allegations.
The crackdown will become another flashpoint between the lieutenant governor's office and the ruling AAP over the governance of the national capital.
The AAP has repeatedly accused the lieutenant governor's office of blocking his administrative moves. The lieutenant governor is a central appointee who the AAP accused the ruling BJP of not allowing her to act freely.
The development also comes at a time when AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is in jail after being arrested in connection with alleged irregularities in the capital's now-abolished liquor policy.