New Delhi: Senior IAS officer Padma Jaiswal, a 2003-batch officer of the AGMUT cadre, has come under intense scrutiny after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recommended her removal from service over alleged financial irregularities during her tenure in Arunachal Pradesh nearly two decades ago.
Currently serving as Special Secretary in the Administrative Reforms Department of the Government of NCT of Delhi, Jaiswal has held a wide range of key administrative positions across Delhi, Puducherry, Goa, and Arunachal Pradesh.
The proposed disciplinary action represents one of the strongest measures available under the All India Services rules and reflects the Centre’s continued emphasis on accountability and integrity in public service.
MHA Recommends Major Penalty Against Padma Jaiswal
The Ministry of Home Affairs, which functions as the cadre-controlling authority for AGMUT cadre officers, has initiated proceedings under Rule 8 of the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969.
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The Ministry has proposed a major penalty and recommended removal from the Indian Administrative Service. Unlike dismissal, removal ends an officer’s current service but does not automatically bar future government employment.
The final decision will be taken after the prescribed consultative process, which typically includes examination by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), followed by approval by the President of India.
Allegations Linked to West Kameng Posting in Arunachal Pradesh
The case relates to Padma Jaiswal’s tenure as Deputy Commissioner of West Kameng district, headquartered in Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh, during 2007–2008.
A chargesheet was issued in 2009, but the departmental inquiry concluded only recently.
According to sources, the investigation found evidence of:
- Misutilization and misappropriation of public funds
- Abuse of official position
- Diversion of government money
- Violation of All India Services (Conduct) Rules
The inquiry reportedly concluded that she failed to maintain the standards of absolute integrity and devotion to duty, which are fundamental obligations for IAS officers.
Delhi High Court Ruling Strengthened MHA’s Position
In April 2026, the Delhi High Court ruled that the Ministry of Home Affairs is the competent authority to initiate disciplinary proceedings against AGMUT cadre officers.
This judgment reinforced the Centre’s authority in the ongoing case and clarified the legal position regarding disciplinary control over AGMUT cadre members.
CBI Chargesheet and Alleged Misappropriation of ₹28 Lakh
A CBI chargesheet filed in late 2024 reportedly alleged that Padma Jaiswal misappropriated around ₹28 lakh during her posting in West Kameng district.
Investigators alleged that some of the funds were used to acquire immovable properties in the names of her relatives.
These allegations formed a key part of the disciplinary proceedings now culminating in the recommendation for her removal.
About Padma Jaiswal
Early Life and Education
Padma Jaiswal was born on October 6, 1975. She has a strong academic and professional background, holding:
- Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) in Accountancy
- Master of Commerce (M.Com) in Management
- Company Secretary (CS) qualification in Company Management
She is proficient in English, Hindi, and Punjabi.
Current Posting
As of May 2026, Padma Jaiswal is serving as Special Secretary, Administrative Reforms Department, Government of NCT of Delhi. She assumed this role on February 16, 2026.
In this capacity, she has been associated with governance reforms, digital transformation, and administrative modernization initiatives.
Career Highlights
Over more than two decades in the IAS, Jaiswal has served in several significant assignments across AGMUT territories.
Key Positions Held
- Special Secretary, Administrative Reforms Department, Delhi
- Secretary (Planning, Economics & Statistics), Puducherry
- Secretary, Labour & Employment Department, Goa
- Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Goa
- Deputy Commissioner, West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh
- Joint Secretary and Director in multiple Delhi Government departments
- Registrar and other senior administrative roles
Areas of Professional Interest
Padma Jaiswal has been known for her work and participation in policy discussions related to:
- Digital transformation in governance
- Infrastructure finance
- Circular economy initiatives
- Artificial Intelligence and public administration
- Cyber resilience
- Capacity building in government institutions
Significance of the Case
The recommendation to remove Padma Jaiswal from service is one of the most serious disciplinary steps that can be taken against a serving IAS officer.
The case is being closely watched within administrative and legal circles, as it highlights the government’s commitment to enforcing accountability under the All India Services framework.
The final outcome will depend on the completion of consultations with the UPSC and formal approval by the President of India.
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