Delhi Commission for Women Discontinues Services for All Contractual Staff Amid Controversy

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has abruptly ended the employment of all its contractual workers. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of orchestrating this decision. AAP expressed disappointment that this action was taken during Diwali, leaving many families without jobs and affecting their celebrations.

The DCW's decision follows an order from the Women and Child Development (WCD) department dated April 29. This order, approved by the Lieutenant Governor, authorised the termination of these staff members. The DCW's directive stated that all contractual employees, regardless of their hiring date, are to be let go immediately.

Contractual Staff Hiring Issues

Sources indicated that the recruitment of these contractual staff members did not comply with established rules. Allegations of illegalities in the hiring process were also reported. Although 223 contractual positions were created within the DCW, only 52 employees were actively working when their services were discontinued in April.

Despite the directive to terminate these employees being issued in April, the official DCW office order was only communicated to the affected staff on Monday. This delay in communication has added to the controversy surrounding the decision.

Previous Recommendations and Political Reactions

In June 2017, a committee appointed by the then Lieutenant Governor recommended against continuing with appointments made without sanctioned posts or proper procedures. This report highlighted issues with how contractual staff were engaged by the DCW.

The AAP pointed out a contradiction in BJP's promises. While BJP pledged to regularise contractual staff upon gaining power in Delhi, their appointed Lieutenant Governor terminated DCW staff services. The BJP has not yet responded to these allegations from AAP.

The situation remains tense as affected employees and political parties await further developments. The abrupt termination has raised questions about employment practices and political influence within government bodies.