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 at the center of controversy in 2022 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 among many, who are questioning the decision to appoint an officer with a history of controversy to a key position in the national capital.
For those who may not recall, Sanjeev Khirwar was Delhi’s Principal Secretary (Revenue) in 2022 when the incident occurred. Athletes who were training at the Thyagraj Stadium alleged that they were asked to wrap up their training earlier than usual one day, so that Khirwar could walk his dog at the stadium. The incident sparked widespread outrage, with many criticizing the officer for his alleged high-handed behavior and misuse of power.
The controversy led to Khirwar being shunted out of Delhi, with many assuming that his career would be affected by the incident. However, it appears that the officer has bounced back, with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issuing a notification confirming his appointment as the new MCD Commissioner.
The appointment of Khirwar as MCD Commissioner has raised several questions. For one, it is unclear what prompted the MHA to appoint an officer with a history of controversy to a key position in Delhi. The MCD is responsible for providing various civic services to the citizens of Delhi, and the Commissioner plays a crucial role in ensuring that these services are delivered efficiently.
Moreover, the appointment of Khirwar has also sparked concerns among athletes and sports enthusiasts, who are worried that the officer’s return to Delhi may affect the city’s sports infrastructure. The Thyagraj Stadium incident had highlighted the lack of priority given to sports and athletes in the city, and many are worried that Khirwar’s return may exacerbate the problem.
It is also worth noting that the appointment of Khirwar as MCD Commissioner comes at a time when the city is grappling with various civic issues, including garbage management, pollution, and infrastructure development. The MCD is responsible for addressing these issues, and it remains to be seen how Khirwar will handle these challenges.
In his new role, Khirwar will be responsible for overseeing the functioning of the MCD, which includes providing services such as sanitation, water supply, and maintenance of roads and parks. He will also be responsible for implementing various development projects in the city, including the construction of new infrastructure and the upgrading of existing facilities.
While Khirwar’s appointment as MCD Commissioner has sparked controversy, it is also an opportunity for him to redeem himself and prove his critics wrong. If he can deliver on his responsibilities and provide effective leadership to the MCD, he may be able to silence his critics and prove that he is a capable administrator.
However, the fact remains that Khirwar’s appointment has raised several questions about the accountability and transparency of the administrative system in Delhi. The incident highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the appointment of officials to key positions, and the need for a more robust system of checks and balances to prevent the misuse of power.
In conclusion, the appointment of Sanjeev Khirwar as MCD Commissioner is a surprising development that has raised several questions about the administrative system in Delhi. While Khirwar has a chance to redeem himself and prove his critics wrong, the incident highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the appointment of officials to key positions. As the city grapples with various civic issues, it remains to be seen how Khirwar will handle the challenges of his new role and whether he will be able to deliver on his responsibilities.
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