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 transferred out of Delhi in 2022 after a controversy surrounding the emptying of a government-run stadium to walk his dog, has returned to the city as the new Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Commissioner. This development has sparked a mix of reactions, with many questioning the decision to bring back an officer who was previously embroiled in a controversy that highlighted the alleged misuse of power.
For those who may not be aware, the controversy in question refers to an incident that took place in 2022, when Khirwar, who was then serving as the Principal Secretary (Revenue) of the Delhi government, allegedly emptied the Thyagraj Stadium, a government-run facility, to walk his dog. The stadium, which is used by athletes for training purposes, was reportedly cleared of all individuals, including athletes who were in the middle of their training sessions. The athletes had alleged that they were asked to wrap up their training earlier than usual that day, allegedly to accommodate Khirwar’s desire to walk his dog.
The incident sparked widespread outrage, with many criticizing Khirwar’s actions as an abuse of power and a disregard for the needs of the athletes who use the stadium. The controversy eventually led to Khirwar’s transfer out of Delhi, with many assuming that his career would be impacted by the incident.
However, in a surprising move, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has now issued a notification confirming Khirwar’s appointment as the new MCD Commissioner. This development has raised several questions, including whether Khirwar’s past actions should have been a factor in his appointment to such a crucial position.
As the MCD Commissioner, Khirwar will be responsible for overseeing the administration of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, which is responsible for providing a range of civic services to the citizens of Delhi. The MCD is responsible for everything from garbage collection and sanitation to the maintenance of roads and public spaces. Given the importance of this role, it is surprising that an officer with a controversial past has been appointed to the position.
While it is not uncommon for officers to be transferred or appointed to new positions, the fact that Khirwar’s past actions were so widely criticized has raised concerns about his suitability for the role. Many are questioning whether Khirwar has demonstrated the necessary level of accountability and responsibility to be entrusted with such a crucial position.
It is also worth noting that the appointment of Khirwar as MCD Commissioner has sparked concerns about the message it sends to the public. If an officer who was embroiled in a controversy surrounding the misuse of power can be appointed to such a crucial position, it raises questions about the accountability of those in power. Does this appointment suggest that those who are well-connected or have the right credentials can get away with behavior that would be unacceptable in other contexts?
Ultimately, only time will tell how Khirwar performs in his new role as MCD Commissioner. However, the controversy surrounding his appointment is a reminder that those in power must be held accountable for their actions. As citizens, it is our responsibility to demand transparency and accountability from our leaders, and to ensure that those who are entrusted with power are using it for the greater good.
In conclusion, the appointment of Sanjeev Khirwar as MCD Commissioner has sparked a mix of reactions, with many questioning the decision to bring back an officer who was previously embroiled in a controversy surrounding the misuse of power. While it remains to be seen how Khirwar will perform in his new role, the controversy surrounding his appointment is a reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in government.
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