Delhi L-G Scraps 223 AAP Appointments In Women's Panel, Says 'Rules Violated'

The decision comes following accusations that former DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal appointed them without proper permission, "violating regulations". 

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Thursday issued a directive for the immediate removal of 223 employees from the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) due to alleged unauthorised appointments. The decision comes following accusations that former DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal appointed them without proper permission, "violating regulations". 

According to ANI reports, the order was based on audit responses provided by the DCW, existing records, and guidelines issued by the government. The audit report highlighted major administrative and financial irregularities within the DCW, including unauthorised appointments and engagements, contravening established procedures. 

The order referred to the Delhi Commission for Women Act, noting that the panel is sanctioned for 40 employees, yet 223 new positions were created without the approval of the Lieutenant Governor. Additionally, the order said that the commission lacks the authority to employ staff on a contractual basis. 

"The suggestions of the then Member Secretary, DCW was not accepted by the Chairperson (DCW) and as a result the payment to the officials appointed without approval of the Competent Authority was not released by the Member Secretary, DCW. Since, the then Member Secretary, DCW had noted that the appointments of these personnel were not according to laid down procedure," it said. 

Furthermore, the order further stated that the DCW had been explicitly instructed not to incur any additional financial burdens without prior approval from the finance department. 

"DWCD had informed DCW that the grantee institutions shall not do any act or undertake any activity which entails additional financial liability for the government without the approval of the Administrative Department and Finance / Planning Department, like creation of posts; grant of pay scales higher than those of corresponding posts in the government of NCT of Delhi; undertaking of infrastructural projects estimated cost of which is above Rs. 2.00 crore; provision / extension of pension to employees," the order said.