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 national capital as the new Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Commissioner. This development has raised eyebrows among many, particularly in the athletic community, who had expressed outrage over the incident that led to Khirwar’s initial transfer.
To recall, the controversy began when athletes training at the Thyagraj Stadium in Delhi alleged that they were asked to wrap up their training sessions earlier than usual to accommodate Khirwar, who wanted to walk his dog at the stadium. The stadium, which is run by the Delhi government, is a major training facility for athletes, and the abrupt interruption to their training schedule had caused inconvenience and disruption to their practice.
At the time, Khirwar was serving as the Principal Secretary (Revenue) of the Delhi government. The incident sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the misuse of power and the prioritization of personal interests over public facilities. The backlash led to Khirwar’s transfer out of Delhi, which was seen as a move to address the public outcry and restore faith in the administration.
However, in a surprising twist, Khirwar has now been appointed as the MCD Commissioner, a position that puts him at the helm of the city’s municipal administration. The notification of his appointment was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which has effectively brought Khirwar back to Delhi.
The return of Khirwar to Delhi has sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning the wisdom of appointing an officer with a controversial past to a key administrative position. Others have argued that the appointment is a testament to the officer’s capabilities and experience, and that he deserves a second chance to prove himself.
As the new MCD Commissioner, Khirwar will be responsible for overseeing the administration of the city’s municipal services, including sanitation, public health, and infrastructure development. The MCD is a critical institution in Delhi, responsible for providing essential services to the city’s residents, and the Commissioner plays a key role in shaping the city’s development agenda.
While Khirwar’s appointment has raised concerns, it is also an opportunity for him to redeem himself and prove his capabilities as an administrator. The athletic community, in particular, will be watching his tenure closely, hoping that he will prioritize the needs of the city’s athletes and ensure that public facilities are used for their intended purpose.
In conclusion, the appointment of Sanjeev Khirwar as the MCD Commissioner is a significant development that has sparked debate and discussion. While his past controversy has raised concerns, it is also an opportunity for him to prove himself as a capable and effective administrator. As the city’s municipal administration gears up for new challenges and opportunities, it remains to be seen how Khirwar will navigate his new role and address the expectations of the city’s residents.
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