New Delhi: In a fresh confrontation, an L-G-appointed bureaucrat on Monday cautioned Delhi Commission for Women to not allow an official backed by Delhi government to carry out work as its member secretary, saying such act on his part would be “untenable” and shall attract penal action.
IAS officer Dilraj Kaur, who was appointed as DCW member secretary by lieutenant-governor Najeeb Jung, wrote a strongly-worded letter to DCW chief Swati Maliwal, saying incumbent P.P. Dhal should not continue in the post as his appointment was “illegal” and “devoid” of any statutory basis. Earlier in December, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had directed chief secretary M.M. Kutty and Ms Maliwal not to allow Ms Kaur to function as the DCW member secretary. He had instead recommended P.P. Dhal for the post.
Ms Kaur, whose appointment has the approval of lieutenant-governor, wrote a strongly-worded letter to the DCW chairperson last week, saying Mr Dhal should should not continue in the post as his appointment was “illegal” and “devoid” of statutory basis. Responding to Ms Kaur’s letter, the DCW chief shot off a letter to L-G Najeeb Jung calling the communication by the bureaucrat “shocking” and reflective of “utter disrespect and disregard” to the directions of the chief minister.
Ms Maliwal said on December 14, the commission had received a note from Ms Kaur stating that she had assumed charge as the member secretary of DCW. She said the commission informed her of the chief minister’s decision and even sent a copy of his note to her, clarifying the legal position.
Ms Maliwal also urged Mr Jung to constitute a task force on women safety as directed by the ministry of home affairs. She said the task force, which should include elected representatives, Delhi police and the Delhi Commission for Women amongst others, should meet at least twice a month.
“I wish to inform you that only 587 days are remaining of my tenure. It is a very short period and I wish to work day and night and leave no stone unturned to ensure the safety of women and girls in the capital. It is painful that due to the systematic attack, the Commission has been able to spend less than half of its budget till date.
“I sincerely hope that your office displays sympathy for the women and girls of Delhi and without any prejudice,” Ms Maliwal’s letter said.
