IAS Officer Shunted for Emptying Stadium to Walk Dog Returns to Delhi as MCD Commissioner
In a surprising turn of events, IAS officer Sanjeev Khirwar, who was at the center of controversy in 2022 for emptying a Delhi government-run stadium to walk his dog, has been appointed as the new Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Commissioner. This development has raised eyebrows, given the circumstances under which he was shunted out of Delhi in the first place. The notification of his appointment was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), marking a significant comeback for the officer.
The controversy surrounding Khirwar dates back to 2022 when he was serving as the Principal Secretary (Revenue) of the Delhi government. It was reported that he had emptied the Thyagraj Stadium, a facility used by athletes for training, to walk his dog. The stadium, which is run by the Delhi government, was allegedly cleared of all athletes and staff to accommodate Khirwar’s unusual request. Athletes who were training at the stadium at the time alleged that they were asked to wrap up their sessions earlier than usual to make way for Khirwar’s dog-walking excursion.
The incident sparked widespread outrage, with many criticizing Khirwar’s behavior as an abuse of power. The fact that a public facility was being used for personal purposes, disrupting the training schedules of athletes, was seen as a egregious misuse of authority. The controversy eventually led to Khirwar’s transfer out of Delhi, a move that was seen as a disciplinary action against the officer.
However, it seems that Khirwar’s transfer was not a permanent exile from the national capital. With his appointment as the MCD Commissioner, he has now returned to Delhi, albeit in a different capacity. The MCD Commissioner is a key position, responsible for overseeing the administration of the municipal corporation, which is responsible for providing a range of civic services to the citizens of Delhi.
Khirwar’s appointment as MCD Commissioner has raised questions about the criteria used for selecting officers for key positions. While Khirwar’s administrative experience and qualifications may make him a suitable candidate for the position, his past conduct has been called into question. The fact that he was shunted out of Delhi in the first place suggests that his behavior was deemed unacceptable, at least at the time.
Moreover, the appointment of an officer with a controversial past to a key position like the MCD Commissioner has sparked concerns about the message it sends to the public. Does it suggest that officers who are guilty of misusing their power will be given a second chance, without any lasting consequences? Or is it a reflection of the fact that the administrative system is willing to give officers a chance to redeem themselves, provided they have the requisite skills and experience?
The answers to these questions are not clear, and it remains to be seen how Khirwar will perform in his new role as MCD Commissioner. However, one thing is certain – his appointment has generated a significant amount of interest and controversy, and his tenure will be closely watched by the public and the media.
In conclusion, the appointment of Sanjeev Khirwar as the MCD Commissioner is a significant development, given his past controversy. While it is unclear what the future holds for Khirwar in his new role, it is clear that his appointment has raised important questions about the selection criteria for key positions and the consequences of misusing power. As the MCD Commissioner, Khirwar will be responsible for overseeing the administration of the municipal corporation, and it remains to be seen how he will navigate the challenges of this position.
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