New Delhi: The Central Government has removed senior IAS officer Padma Jaiswal from service over allegations of financial irregularities linked to her tenure in Arunachal Pradesh nearly two decades ago. The decision follows a departmental inquiry that stretched over 16 years and is being viewed as one of the rare instances where such a severe disciplinary action has been taken against a serving IAS officer.

Jaiswal, who is currently serving as Special Secretary in the Administrative Reforms Department of the Delhi Government, said she was unaware of any dismissal order. “I am not aware of any such development or any dismissal order being passed,” she was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

A 2003-batch Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre officer, Jaiswal served as the Deputy Commissioner of West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh between 2007 and 2008, with headquarters in Bomdila.

The case dates back to February 2008, when residents lodged complaints accusing her of misusing her official position and diverting public funds. She was suspended in April 2009, though the suspension was later revoked in October 2010.

A probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation later allegedly uncovered a criminal conspiracy involving Jaiswal and certain subordinate officials, including the then Financial Advisor and office cashier. Investigators claimed treasury funds were withdrawn in cash on a “returnable basis” under her direction.

According to the investigation, three Government Deposit at Call Receipts (DCRs) were allegedly liquidated to generate multiple demand drafts amounting to Rs 28 lakh. The probe further alleged that the siphoned public funds were used to purchase immovable properties in the names of her close relatives.

Based on the findings, the Ministry of Home Affairs initiated major penalty proceedings under Rule 8 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, a provision invoked in cases involving grave misconduct and violations of official integrity.

A departmental chargesheet had been issued against Jaiswal in 2009, but the inquiry reached its conclusion only recently. The inquiry report reportedly found evidence of misuse of public funds, abuse of official position, and violations of the All India Services Conduct Rules.

Following recommendations by the Union Public Service Commission, the Ministry of Home Affairs enforced the penalty of “removal from service” after receiving final approval from the President, formally ending Jaiswal’s civil services career.

The prolonged timeline of the case, stretching from the original complaint in 2008 and the chargesheet in 2009 to the inquiry’s conclusion in 2026, has also drawn attention from legal and administrative observers. Concerns have been raised over the lengthy disciplinary process within the All India Services framework, particularly in cases involving senior officers accused of corruption and abuse of office.