LG Jung okays Swati Maliwal as DCW chief

Jung gave the consent to appointment of 30-year-old <g data-gr-id="65">Maliwal</g> and three other members, handpicked by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, after the Delhi government sent him a fresh note <g data-gr-id="66">heeding</g> to his directive to follow the laid down process.

“The file pertaining to <g data-gr-id="51">appointment</g> of <g data-gr-id="63">Maliwal</g> and other members of the DERC has been cleared,” sources said.

On Friday, Jung had returned the file pertaining to Maliwal’s appointment but said he would have no hesitation in clearing it if proper process is followed.

The LG had struck down her appointment on Tuesday last, a day after she took charge of the Commission, asserting that ‘government’ in Delhi meant the LG and his consent for any such appointment <g data-gr-id="46">was</g> necessary.

The LG’s move had triggered yet another bout of confrontation with Kejriwal accusing him of working at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Chief Minister had also alleged that Jung had ordered locking of the DCW’s office.

“The LG says he is the government of Delhi. How can it be? How can anyone call himself the government? This will result in dictatorship in Delhi. Nothing can be more laughable than this. India is a democracy. Delhi has an elected government,” Kejriwal had said in a letter to the LG.

On <g data-gr-id="55">appointment</g> of <g data-gr-id="70">Maliwal</g>, Jung had said he was sure Kejriwal has done due diligence in selecting her and the other members of the panel and that he would have no hesitation in confirming their appointment.

<g data-gr-id="68">Maliwal</g> is the wife of Aam Aadmi Party leader Navin Jaihind and has been an advisor to Kejriwal on public grievances besides handling his Janata <g data-gr-id="69">Samwad</g>. She has been associated with the AAP chief since India Against Corruption (IAC) days. 

Meanwhile, Swati <g data-gr-id="62">Maliwal</g> said the body would work in coordination with Delhi government, the Centre, LG office and police for the cause of women.

“I am quite happy that my appointment has been approved by LG. I will be working for the cause of women and their safety diligently,” <g data-gr-id="64">Maliwal</g> said. 

<g data-gr-id="72">Maliwal</g> said that past few days have made her realise that the future ahead would be full of challenges and that the Commission would work in coordination with the state, Central government, LG office and police for the cause of women.

“The future is very challenging. But unlike the previous Commission which had a kitty party culture, we will seriously work for women’s causes and their safety,” she said.