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 city as the new Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Commissioner. This development has raised eyebrows and sparked debate about the decision-making process behind the appointment of high-ranking officials.
According to a notification by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Khirwar, who was previously serving as the Principal Secretary (Revenue) in the Delhi government, has been appointed as the MCD Commissioner. This move comes after he was shunted out of Delhi in 2022 following a controversy that made headlines across the country.
The controversy in question involved Khirwar allegedly emptying the Thyagraj Stadium, a government-run facility, to walk his dog. Athletes who were training at the stadium at the time claimed that they were asked to wrap up their training earlier than usual to accommodate Khirwar’s dog-walking schedule. The incident sparked outrage and criticism, with many questioning the misuse of power and the prioritization of personal interests over public facilities.
The Thyagraj Stadium is a prominent sports facility in Delhi, and its emptying for a personal activity such as dog-walking was seen as a blatant abuse of authority. The incident highlighted the need for greater accountability and transparency in the functioning of government officials, particularly those in high-ranking positions.
Khirwar’s appointment as the MCD Commissioner has raised concerns about the message it sends to the public. Many are questioning how an official who was embroiled in a controversy surrounding the misuse of power can be entrusted with a crucial position such as the MCD Commissioner. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is responsible for providing essential services to the citizens of Delhi, and its Commissioner plays a vital role in ensuring the effective functioning of the organization.
The appointment of Khirwar as the MCD Commissioner has also sparked debate about the role of the bureaucracy in India. The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is considered one of the most prestigious and powerful services in the country, and its officers are expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. The fact that an officer who was shunted out of Delhi due to a controversy has been appointed to a crucial position raises questions about the accountability and transparency within the bureaucracy.
It is worth noting that the appointment of Khirwar as the MCD Commissioner is not an isolated incident. There have been several instances in the past where officials who have been embroiled in controversies have been appointed to high-ranking positions. This raises concerns about the lack of accountability and the culture of impunity that seems to pervade the bureaucracy.
In conclusion, the appointment of Sanjeev Khirwar as the MCD Commissioner has sparked controversy and debate about the decision-making process behind the appointment of high-ranking officials. The fact that an officer who was shunted out of Delhi due to a controversy surrounding the misuse of power has been appointed to a crucial position raises questions about accountability, transparency, and the role of the bureaucracy in India. As the city of Delhi looks to the MCD Commissioner to provide effective leadership and governance, it remains to be seen how Khirwar will perform in his new role and whether he will be able to redeem himself and restore public trust.
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