Who Is IAS Padma Jaiswal? MHA Recommends Removal of AGMUT Cadre Officer Over Alleged Arunachal Corruption Case
Senior IAS officer Padma Jaiswal has come under intense administrative and legal scrutiny after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reportedly recommended her removal from service in connection with an alleged corruption case dating back to her tenure in Arunachal Pradesh nearly two decades ago.
The development marks one of the most serious disciplinary actions initiated against a serving Indian Administrative Service officer under the All India Services framework and has attracted widespread attention within bureaucratic and legal circles across the country.
A 2003-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, Padma Jaiswal is currently serving as Special Secretary in the Administrative Reforms Department of the Government of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. Over the course of her career, she has held several influential assignments across Delhi, Goa, Puducherry, and Arunachal Pradesh, and has been associated with governance reforms, administrative modernization, and public policy initiatives.
MHA Initiates Major Disciplinary Action
According to official sources, the Ministry of Home Affairs — the cadre controlling authority for AGMUT cadre officers — has initiated proceedings under Rule 8 of the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969. The Ministry has reportedly recommended the major penalty of “removal from service” against the officer.
Under service rules, removal from service terminates an officer’s current employment in government service, although it does not automatically disqualify the individual from future government employment, unlike dismissal.
The final decision in the matter will be taken only after completion of the prescribed consultative process, which generally includes examination by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), followed by approval from the President of India.
Allegations Linked to Arunachal Pradesh Posting
The disciplinary proceedings are linked to Padma Jaiswal’s tenure as Deputy Commissioner of West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh during 2007–2008. The district headquarters is located in Bomdila.
A chargesheet in the matter was reportedly issued as early as 2009, but the departmental inquiry concluded only recently after a prolonged administrative process.
Investigators are said to have found evidence relating to:
Alleged misappropriation and misuse of public funds
Abuse of official position
Diversion of government resources
Violation of provisions under the All India Services Conduct Rules
Sources familiar with the inquiry stated that the findings suggested failure to maintain “absolute integrity” and “devotion to duty,” standards considered fundamental for members of the IAS.
CBI Chargesheet and Property Allegations
The controversy deepened after a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) chargesheet filed in late 2024 reportedly alleged that approximately ₹28 lakh had been misappropriated during her posting in West Kameng district.
Investigators also alleged that part of the diverted funds was used to acquire immovable properties in the names of relatives. These allegations reportedly became a key basis for the disciplinary proceedings now culminating in the recommendation for her removal.
Delhi High Court Ruling Strengthened Centre’s Position
In April 2026, the Delhi High Court reportedly clarified that the Ministry of Home Affairs is the competent authority to initiate disciplinary proceedings against officers belonging to the AGMUT cadre.
The judgment is seen as significant because it reinforced the Centre’s authority over disciplinary matters involving AGMUT cadre officers and strengthened the legal basis of the ongoing proceedings against Padma Jaiswal.
Educational Background and Career Profile
Born on October 6, 1975, Padma Jaiswal has a strong academic background. Her qualifications include:
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.
Over her administrative career spanning more than two decades, she has served in multiple important positions, including:
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 several Delhi government departments
She has also participated in policy discussions and governance initiatives related to digital administration, infrastructure finance, Artificial Intelligence in governance, cyber resilience, and institutional capacity building.
A Case Closely Watched in Bureaucratic Circles
The recommendation for Padma Jaiswal’s removal is being viewed as a major test case concerning accountability and disciplinary oversight within the All India Services system.
While no final order has yet been issued, the proceedings have already triggered intense discussion within administrative circles because of the seniority of the officer involved and the long duration between the original allegations and the present stage of disciplinary action.
The final outcome will depend on the completion of consultations with the UPSC and the eventual decision of the President of India.
