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 for emptying 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 controversy, with many questioning the decision to appoint an officer with a questionable track record to a key administrative position.
The incident that led to Khirwar’s transfer out of Delhi took place in 2022, when he was serving as the Principal Secretary (Revenue) of the Delhi government. On a particular day, athletes training at the Thyagraj Stadium, a government-run facility, were allegedly asked to wrap up their training sessions earlier than usual. The reason behind this unusual request was that Khirwar wanted to walk his dog at the stadium, and he did not want any distractions or obstacles in his way.
The athletes, who were preparing for various competitions and events, were understandably upset and frustrated by the sudden disruption to their training schedule. They claimed that they were asked to leave the stadium prematurely, so that Khirwar could walk his dog without any hindrance. This incident sparked widespread outrage and criticism, with many accusing Khirwar of abusing his power and prioritizing his personal interests over the needs of the athletes and the public.
As a result of the controversy, Khirwar was transferred out of Delhi, and it was thought that his career had been derailed by the incident. However, in a surprising move, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has now appointed him as the new MCD Commissioner, a position that is responsible for overseeing the administrative and governance functions of the municipal corporation.
The notification issued by the MHA confirming Khirwar’s appointment has raised questions about the criteria used to select him for the position. Many are wondering how an officer who was shunted out of Delhi for his questionable behavior could be considered suitable for a key administrative position. The appointment has also sparked concerns about the message it sends to the public and to other government officials, who may interpret it as a sign that misconduct and abuse of power will be tolerated or even rewarded.
The Thyagraj Stadium incident was not an isolated case of Khirwar’s alleged misuse of power. There have been other reports and allegations of him using his position for personal gain or to benefit his family and friends. These allegations, combined with the stadium incident, have raised serious questions about Khirwar’s fitness for public office and his ability to serve the public interest.
The appointment of Khirwar as MCD Commissioner has also sparked concerns about the impact it could have on the functioning of the municipal corporation. The MCD is responsible for providing a wide range of essential services to the public, including sanitation, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. The effectiveness and efficiency of these services depend on the leadership and management of the corporation, and the appointment of an officer with a questionable track record could compromise the delivery of these services.
In conclusion, the appointment of Sanjeev Khirwar as MCD Commissioner has raised serious concerns and questions about the criteria used to select him for the position. The incident at the Thyagraj Stadium, which led to his transfer out of Delhi, has not been forgotten, and many are wondering how an officer with a questionable track record could be considered suitable for a key administrative position. As the new MCD Commissioner, Khirwar will be responsible for overseeing the administrative and governance functions of the municipal corporation, and it remains to be seen how he will perform in this role.
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