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 embroiled in a controversy in 2022 for allegedly emptying a Delhi government-run stadium to walk his dog, has returned to Delhi as the new Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Commissioner. This development has raised eyebrows, given the circumstances of his previous departure from the city.
According to a notification 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 MCD Commissioner. The move has sparked debate and criticism, with many questioning the decision to bring back an officer who was previously shunted out of the city due to his alleged misconduct.
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 training sessions earlier than usual to accommodate Khirwar’s canine companion. The incident sparked outrage, with many criticizing the officer’s alleged abuse of power and disregard for the needs of the athletes who used the stadium.
As a result of the controversy, Khirwar was moved out of Delhi, and his departure was seen as a consequence of his actions. However, with his recent appointment as MCD Commissioner, it appears that Khirwar has been given a second chance to serve in the city. The move has raised questions about the criteria used to select officials for key positions and the message it sends about accountability and responsibility within the bureaucracy.
The appointment of Khirwar as MCD Commissioner has also sparked concerns about the potential impact on the city’s administration. As the head of the MCD, Khirwar will be responsible for overseeing various aspects of urban governance, including sanitation, public health, and infrastructure development. Given his previous record, there are fears that he may not prioritize the needs of the city’s residents and may instead use his position to further his own interests.
Moreover, the appointment of Khirwar has also highlighted the issue of accountability within the bureaucracy. The fact that an officer who was previously shunted out of the city due to allegations of misconduct has been brought back to a key position raises questions about the effectiveness of the systems in place to hold officials accountable for their actions.
In recent years, there have been several instances of bureaucrats being appointed to key positions despite being embroiled in controversies. This has led to concerns about the lack of accountability and the potential for abuse of power within the bureaucracy. The appointment of Khirwar as MCD Commissioner is likely to add to these concerns and may undermine the trust of the public in the administrative system.
As the city’s new MCD Commissioner, Khirwar will face significant challenges in restoring the trust of the public and demonstrating his commitment to serving the needs of the city’s residents. He will need to prioritize transparency, accountability, and good governance to ensure that the city’s administration is effective and responsive to the needs of its citizens.
In conclusion, the appointment of Sanjeev Khirwar as MCD Commissioner has sparked controversy and debate. While it is unclear what the future holds for Khirwar in his new role, one thing is certain – he will be under close scrutiny, and his actions will be carefully watched by the public and the media. As the city’s top administrative officer, he will need to demonstrate a commitment to serving the public interest and upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
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