In a significant move, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has ousted 223 employees from the capital's women commission, citing unauthorized appointments made during AAP MP Swati Maliwal's tenure as chairperson. Maliwal contests the decision, vowing to prevent the commission's closure.

Saxena's directive points to violations of rules in the appointment process, alleging that Maliwal created 223 new positions without official approval. The order emphasizes that the commission lacks the authority to employ individuals on contract basis, citing breaches of the Delhi Commission for Women Act.

Maliwal rebuffs the directive, asserting that the commission's operation will suffer without its contractual staff. With only 90 current staff members, including 8 government employees and the rest on temporary contracts, she challenges Saxena, expressing her determination to prevent the closure of the vital institution.

The order, issued by the Women and Child Development department, highlights deficiencies in the appointment procedures and the absence of evaluations for essential posts. It underscores the need for finance department approval for any actions entailing additional financial liability for the government.

Maliwal's tenure as the head of the commission for nine years before becoming an AAP MP, adds complexity to the situation. The order reiterates warnings given to Maliwal regarding the necessity of finance department approval for appointments, further fueling the contentious exchange between the Lieutenant Governor's office and AAP.

This move escalates tensions between the Lieutenant Governor's office and the AAP, with ongoing accusations of administrative obstruction. The central appointee Lieutenant Governor's office faces allegations of impeding AAP's governance initiatives, amplifying the political discord.

The timing of this crackdown coincides with AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's incarceration in connection with alleged irregularities in the capital's now-defunct liquor policy. The development underscores the charged atmosphere surrounding governance in the national capital, with competing narratives and allegations driving the discourse.

As the controversy unfolds, the fate of the Delhi Women Commission's staffing and operations remains uncertain. The clash between the Lieutenant Governor's office and AAP underscores broader political tensions, with implications for governance and accountability in Delhi's administrative landscape.