Delhi Women’s Commission Staffers Removed Over Hiring Issues

The Lieutenant Governor (L-G) of Delhi, V.K. Saxena, has ordered the removal of 223 contract workers from the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW). An official notice dated April 29th said their appointments were “irregular” and “illegal.” The notice told the DCW to fire all contract staff hired without following proper procedures right away.

Delhi Women’s Commission Staffers Removed

The controversy is about appointments made when Swati Maliwal was the DCW Chairperson. It is alleged that Maliwal hired these staff members without getting the required approvals, breaking the rules. Earlier this year, the Delhi High Court put a pause on Maliwal’s trial in a corruption case related to these hires.

Corruption Case Suspended for Now

The corruption case against Maliwal was filed by the Delhi Police Anti-Corruption Branch. It claimed Maliwal improperly appointed people close to her or linked to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) between 2015 and 2016. However, the High Court noted the charges did not clearly show Maliwal benefited personally, which is key for corruption.

Ex-Lawmaker Complained About Irregularities

The case started from a complaint by former lawmaker Barkha Singh Shukla. She had alleged wrongdoing in the DCW’s appointments during Maliwal’s time as per reports.

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Stirring Up Controversy Again

Firing the 223 staffers has revived the controversy over suspected rule violations in the DCW hiring. It raises doubts about whether the appointments followed the law and how it may impact the commission’s work. The decision has also sparked debates about the autonomy of government bodies versus oversight.

The Path Forward

As this situation develops, the DCW must manage without over 200 staffers and address the alleged lapses in hiring procedures. The controversy highlights the need for more transparency in government appointments. Resolving this fairly while upholding principles of good governance will help restore public trust in institutions meant to protect women’s rights and welfare in the capital.