LG seeks explanation from Secy ovre Swati Maliwal's appointment as DCW chief

New Delhi, Jul 22: Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung has sought an explanation from principal secretary of Social Welfare Department asking him why the notification about DCW chairperson appointment was issued in his name without his nod.

The Women and Child Development Department had on July 17 notified the appointment of Swati Maliwal as the chairperson of Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) and three other members.

LG's office has asked the principal secretary (Social Welfare) to furnish the facts and circumstances in which the said notification was issued "By Order and in the Name of the Lt Governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi" without, however, obtaining the approval of the Hon'ble Lt Governor.

"You (Principal Secretary, Social Welfare) are requested to clarify/confirm whether all applicable rules and procedures were followed while processing this matter. The facts may kindly be submitted to LG's office by July 28 for perusal of the Hon'ble Lt Governor," LG's office said.

The appointment of Maliwal as Chief of DCW has become yet another flashpoint between AAP government and Lt Governor Najeeb Jung who declared her appointment as ultra vires" of the rules, saying that, it did not have legal sanctity and was in violation of constitutional provisions.

However, the Arvind Kejriwal refused to comply with the LG's order and said that Maliwal will continue holding the charge as chief of the commission.

Reflecting government's strong position on the issue, Transport Minister Gopal Rai said Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had made the appointment in tune with constitutional provisions and laid down norms and there was no question of reviewing the decision.

"Whatever LG said today is not new. Such instances (LG's intervention in government's works) have now been old," he said indicating government will reply to the LG on the issue.

PTI