In a significant development, the Delhi Women Commission (DCW) finds itself embroiled in a staffing crisis following the removal of 223 employees on the orders of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. The move, described as a “Tughlaqi order” by former DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal, has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the future of the commission.

The decision to remove the employees came after it was revealed that their appointments were made without the requisite government permission, allegedly in violation of established procedures. According to the Department of Women and Child Development, Swati Maliwal, during her tenure as chairperson, appointed these employees on a contractual basis without obtaining approval from the government.

The order issued by Lieutenant Governor Saxena cited irregularities and illegalities in the creation of the 223 posts and the engagement of contractual staff. It emphasized that proper procedures were not followed, and approvals were not obtained from the appropriate authorities. Additionally, concerns were raised about the enhancement of remuneration and allowances without adequate justification, further compounding the irregularities.

Maliwal, however, vehemently opposed the order, accusing Saxena of “destroying” the DCW instead of supporting it with staff and protection. She declared her determination to prevent the closure of the Women’s Commission, stating, “I will not let the Women’s Commission be closed as long as I am alive.” The removal of the employees has left the DCW facing a severe shortage of staff, with only a fraction of the required workforce remaining. Maliwal warned that if all contractual staff were removed, the commission would effectively be incapacitated, jeopardizing its ability to carry out its mandate effectively