The Centre has removed AGMUT cadre IAS officer Padma Jaiswal from service over corruption allegations linked to her tenure in Arunachal Pradesh during 2007-08. Here’s the full story.
Padma Jaiswal IAS Case: Centre Takes Major Action Against AGMUT Officer
In a major administrative development, the Central Government has removed senior AGMUT cadre IAS officer Padma Jaiswal from service following long-pending corruption allegations connected to her posting in Arunachal Pradesh nearly two decades ago. The action has drawn nationwide attention because strict disciplinary action against IAS officers is considered extremely rare in India.
According to official reports, Padma Jaiswal, a 2003-batch AGMUT cadre officer, was serving as Special Secretary in Delhi Government’s Department of Administrative Reforms before the dismissal order was issued.
Why Was Padma Jaiswal Removed From Service?
The Padma Jaiswal IAS Case is linked to allegations dating back to 2007-08 when she was posted as Deputy Commissioner of West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh.
Local complaints accused her of:
- Misuse of official position
- Financial irregularities
- Alleged embezzlement of government funds
Following the complaints, she was suspended in April 2009. However, the suspension was later revoked in October 2010 while investigations and disciplinary proceedings continued.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) initiated action under the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules and issued charge memorandums in 2009 and 2010.
President Approved Final Action
Sources stated that the final order was cleared after approval from the President of India based on recommendations from:
- Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT)
- Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
The UPSC reportedly recommended her removal after reviewing the case details and disciplinary proceedings.
Delhi High Court Played Key Role
Earlier, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) had quashed the disciplinary proceedings, saying the MHA lacked authority over AGMUT cadre officers.
However, the Union Government challenged the CAT decision in the Delhi High Court. In April 2026, the High Court ruled in favour of the Centre and restored the disciplinary process.
The court observed that the CAT had made an error in its interpretation, allowing the Centre to continue proceedings against the officer.
Following the High Court verdict, the MHA completed the process and recommended the major penalty of removal from service.
Padma Jaiswal Responds
Reacting to the reports, Padma Jaiswal reportedly said she was unaware of any dismissal order or such development. Despite her response, the Centre moved ahead with the final decision after completing all official procedures.
Rare Action Against IAS Officers
The Padma Jaiswal IAS Case has become a significant topic because dismissals of IAS officers are uncommon in India. Usually, disciplinary matters involving All India Service officers take years due to legal procedures, departmental inquiries, and consultations with multiple agencies.
Over her two-decade-long career, Jaiswal held several important positions in:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Delhi
- Goa
- Puducherry
The case highlights the government’s increasing focus on accountability and anti-corruption measures within the bureaucracy.
