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 moved out of Delhi in 2022 after a controversy surrounding the emptying of a 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 been confirmed by a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
For those who may not be aware, Sanjeev Khirwar was at the center of a controversy in 2022 when he, as the Principal Secretary (Revenue) of the Delhi government, allegedly emptied the Thyagraj Stadium, a government-run facility, to walk his dog. The incident sparked outrage among athletes who were using the stadium for training, as they were forced to wrap up their sessions earlier than usual to accommodate Khirwar’s unusual request.
The Thyagraj Stadium is a prominent sports facility in Delhi, and it is used by numerous athletes for training and practice. On the day of the incident, athletes had alleged that they were asked to leave the stadium prematurely, so that Khirwar could walk his dog on the premises. This move was widely criticized, with many questioning the misuse of power and the disregard for the needs of the athletes who use the stadium.
Following the controversy, Khirwar was shunted out of Delhi, and his transfer was seen as a fallout of the incident. However, in a surprising turn of events, he has now returned to Delhi as the MCD Commissioner, a position that is considered to be a significant posting in the city’s administrative hierarchy.
The notification issued by the MHA confirms Khirwar’s appointment as the new MCD Commissioner, and it is expected that he will take over the reins of the municipal corporation soon. While the development has not been officially commented upon by the government, it is likely to raise eyebrows among the public and the media, given Khirwar’s past controversy.
The return of Khirwar to Delhi as the MCD Commissioner has also sparked debates about the role of bureaucrats in the city’s administration and the need for accountability and transparency in their actions. While Khirwar’s appointment may be seen as a routine administrative move by some, it is likely to be watched closely by the public and the media, given his past record.
As the new MCD Commissioner, Khirwar will be responsible for overseeing the functioning of the municipal corporation, which is responsible for providing a range of civic services to the citizens of Delhi. These services include sanitation, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development, among others. The MCD is also responsible for managing the city’s finances, and it plays a crucial role in shaping the city’s development agenda.
In the coming days and weeks, it will be interesting to see how Khirwar navigates his new role as the MCD Commissioner, and how he addresses the challenges facing the municipal corporation. While his past controversy may have raised questions about his suitability for the post, it is also an opportunity for him to prove his critics wrong and demonstrate his ability to lead the municipal corporation effectively.
As the city of Delhi continues to grapple with a range of urban challenges, including pollution, traffic congestion, and inadequate civic services, the role of the MCD Commissioner becomes even more critical. The citizens of Delhi will be watching closely to see how Khirwar performs in his new role, and whether he is able to make a positive impact on the city’s development trajectory.
In conclusion, the appointment of Sanjeev Khirwar as the new MCD Commissioner is a significant development that is likely to be watched closely by the public and the media. While his past controversy may have raised questions about his suitability for the post, it is also an opportunity for him to prove his critics wrong and demonstrate his ability to lead the municipal corporation effectively. As the city of Delhi continues to evolve and grow, the role of the MCD Commissioner becomes even more critical, and it will be interesting to see how Khirwar navigates the challenges and opportunities that come with this position.
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