The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) is in the midst of a major upheaval following an order from Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena for the immediate removal of 223 employees. The move, citing irregularities in the appointment process, has sparked controversy and raised questions about the functioning of the women’s rights body.
The LG’s office alleges that the removed staff, all contractual positions, were appointed by former DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal without following proper procedures and obtaining necessary approvals. These alleged irregularities include bypassing the finance department and the Lieutenant Governor’s office, which hold oversight authority.
“The DCW has violated statutory provision and bypassed established procedures,” a statement from the LG’s office reads. “There was no proper study conducted to assess the need for additional staff, and no proper recruitment process followed.”
The statement further accuses the DCW of irregularities in salary structures, with some employees allegedly receiving significant pay hikes without justification. These allegations paint a picture of a potentially flawed appointing system within the commission.
Swati Maliwal, a vocal critic of the current administration, has vehemently denied any wrongdoings. She maintains that appointments were made to address the commission’s growing workload and improve its effectiveness in handling women’s issues.
The sudden removal of such a large number of staff members has left the DCW scrambling. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on the commission’s day-to-day operations and its ability to handle complaints from women in the city.
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The Delhi government, which oversees the functioning of the DCW, has remained largely silent on the issue so far. However, with a crucial assembly election looming on the horizon, the controversy is likely to be used as political ammunition by both sides of the divide.
The coming days will be crucial in determining the fallout from the decision. The DCW will need to find a way to address the staffing shortage while ensuring the smooth functioning of its services. Meanwhile, a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities in the appointment process is necessary to ensure transparency and accountability.
