After many twists and turns, lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung on Monday cleared and notified the file pertaining to appointment of Swati Maliwal as chief of Delhi Commission for Women.
Following this development, Maliwal is all set join office from Tuesday at 9:30 am. “DCW received the information pertaining to notification regarding Swati’s appointment from Ministry of Women & Child Development,” said a member of DCW.
The l-G had earlier refused to clear the file on appointment of Maliwal claiming that the file has not been properly processed and that he is the appropriate authority to take the decision as “Government”.
The l-G on Friday softened his stand in the midst of a bitter row with the AAP Government. It was then that he had said he never tried to negate authority of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and urged for the new proposal to be sent to his office again.
The controversy unfolded when lG had raised objections to her appointment claiming that his approval was not sought by the Kejriwal Government before her appointment.
In the two-page letter written to the CM on Friday, the l-G had mentioned, “I have received the file pertaining to the appointment of Maliwal. I am sure you have done due diligence in selecting Maliwal and the other members, and I would have no hesitation in confirming the appointment based on your recommendation.”
Her appointment was followed by high drama as 30-year-old Maliwal on July 23 had claimed that her office had been locked down, but hours later it was found open though her nameplate was removed.
The l-G, however, had rejected the allegations that the DCW’s office was locked or files were taken away. “It is completely untrue that the office of DCW’s Chairperson was locked or files taken away. The legal position was conveyed in writing to her, through the Member-Secretary of the DCW, in the best interest of the organization and the Government,” the letter said.
Much like the controversy surrounding Maliwal’s appointment, the Kejriwal Government had earlier too during the appointment of Principal Secretary, Chief Secretary and ACB chief had not consulted the l-G.