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 last year for 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.
In 2022, Khirwar, who was then serving as the Principal Secretary (Revenue) of Delhi, was at the center of a storm after it emerged that he had cleared the Thyagraj Stadium, a facility used by athletes for training, to walk his dog. The incident sparked outrage among the athletic community, with many alleging that they were forced to wrap up their training sessions earlier than usual to accommodate Khirwar’s canine companion.
The Thyagraj Stadium, which is run by the Delhi government, is a popular venue for athletes to train and practice. However, on the day in question, the stadium was emptied, and the athletes were asked to leave, allegedly to make way for Khirwar’s dog-walking session. This move was widely criticized, with many viewing it as an abuse of power and a disregard for the needs of the athletes who rely on the stadium for their training.
Following the controversy, Khirwar was shunted out of Delhi, in what was seen as a move to defuse the situation and avoid any further embarrassment to the government. However, in a surprising twist, he has now been appointed as the MCD Commissioner, a post that is responsible for overseeing the functioning of the municipal corporation in Delhi.
The notification regarding Khirwar’s appointment was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which has confirmed his new role as the MCD Commissioner. This development has raised questions about the criteria used for selecting officials for key posts and whether the government has taken into account Khirwar’s past record and the controversy surrounding his previous tenure in Delhi.
The appointment of Khirwar as the MCD Commissioner has also sparked concerns among the athletic community, which had previously expressed outrage over the incident at the Thyagraj Stadium. Many are now wondering whether Khirwar’s return to Delhi will have any impact on the city’s sports infrastructure and the facilities available to athletes.
As the MCD Commissioner, Khirwar will be responsible for overseeing a wide range of functions, including civic amenities, public health, and sanitation. His appointment has also raised expectations about the direction that the MCD will take under his leadership and whether he will be able to restore the trust of the public, particularly the athletic community, which was affected by his previous actions.
In conclusion, the appointment of Sanjeev Khirwar as the MCD Commissioner has raised eyebrows, given his past record and the controversy surrounding his previous tenure in Delhi. While it remains to be seen how he will perform in his new role, the development has sparked concerns and debate about the selection process for key posts and the importance of accountability in public office.
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