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 a controversy in 2022 for allegedly emptying a Delhi government-run stadium to walk his dog, has returned to the national capital as the new Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Commissioner. This development has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the rationale behind his appointment to such a crucial post.
As per a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Khirwar, who was serving as the Principal Secretary (Revenue) in the Delhi government at the time of the incident, has been appointed as the new MCD Commissioner. The notification has sparked a mix of reactions, with some hailing the move as a positive development, while others have expressed disappointment and outrage.
The controversy surrounding Khirwar dates back to 2022, when he was accused of emptying the Thyagraj Stadium, a Delhi government-run facility, to walk his dog. Athletes who were training at the stadium at the time alleged that they were asked to wrap up their practice sessions earlier than usual to accommodate Khirwar’s dog-walking plans. The incident sparked widespread outrage, with many condemning the IAS officer’s alleged misuse of power and disregard for the needs of athletes.
Following the incident, Khirwar was shunted out of Delhi and posted to another location. However, with his recent appointment as MCD Commissioner, he has now returned to the national capital, sparking concerns about the message this sends to the public. Many have questioned the wisdom of appointing an officer with a controversial past to such a critical post, especially one that involves overseeing the functioning of the municipal corporation.
The MCD Commissioner is a key position that plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of civic amenities in the national capital. The commissioner is responsible for overseeing a wide range of services, including sanitation, public health, and infrastructure development. Given the importance of this post, many have expressed surprise that an officer with a checkered past has been appointed to the position.
Khirwar’s appointment has also raised questions about the criteria used to select officers for key positions. While the IAS officer may have the requisite qualifications and experience for the post, his past actions have raised concerns about his judgment and ability to prioritize the needs of the public. Many have argued that officers appointed to such critical positions should have an impeccable track record and a demonstrated commitment to public service.
The controversy surrounding Khirwar’s appointment has also sparked a debate about the role of bureaucracy in India. While IAS officers are expected to be impartial and dedicated public servants, instances of misuse of power and corruption have eroded public trust in the bureaucracy. The appointment of an officer with a controversial past to a key position has only served to reinforce these concerns.
As Khirwar takes over as MCD Commissioner, he will face significant challenges in restoring public trust and demonstrating his commitment to public service. The new commissioner will need to prioritize the needs of the public, ensure transparency and accountability in the functioning of the municipal corporation, and work to improve the delivery of civic amenities in the national capital.
In conclusion, the appointment of Sanjeev Khirwar as MCD Commissioner has sparked controversy and raised questions about the criteria used to select officers for key positions. While Khirwar may have the requisite qualifications and experience for the post, his past actions have raised concerns about his judgment and ability to prioritize the needs of the public. As he takes over as commissioner, he will need to work hard to restore public trust and demonstrate his commitment to public service.
About the Author
