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 the Thyagraj Stadium in Delhi to walk his dog, has been appointed as the new Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Commissioner. This development has raised eyebrows, given the circumstances under which Khirwar was moved out of Delhi in the first place.
For those who may not be aware, the Thyagraj Stadium is a government-run facility in Delhi that is used by athletes for training and practice. In 2022, it was reported that Khirwar, who was then serving as the Principal Secretary (Revenue) of Delhi, had ordered the stadium to be emptied so that he could walk his dog on the premises. This move was met with widespread criticism, with many questioning the misuse of power and the disruption caused to the athletes who were using the facility.
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 dog-walking plans. This incident sparked outrage, with many taking to social media to express their disapproval of Khirwar’s actions. The incident was seen as a classic case of abuse of power and privilege, with Khirwar prioritizing his personal interests over the needs of the athletes who were using the facility.
In the aftermath of the incident, Khirwar was moved out of Delhi, in what was seen as a punitive measure. However, it appears that Khirwar’s career has not been significantly impacted by the controversy, as he has now been appointed as the MCD Commissioner. This development has raised questions about the accountability of government officials and the consequences of their actions.
The appointment of Khirwar as MCD Commissioner has been confirmed by a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). While the notification does not provide any details about the reasons behind Khirwar’s appointment, it is clear that he has been given a significant role in the administration of Delhi.
As MCD Commissioner, Khirwar will be responsible for overseeing the functioning of the municipal corporation, which is responsible for providing a range of services to the citizens of Delhi, including sanitation, transportation, and healthcare. The MCD is also responsible for maintaining the city’s infrastructure, including roads, parks, and other public facilities.
Given his past record, it remains to be seen how Khirwar will perform in his new role. While he may have been appointed to the position based on his administrative experience and skills, his actions in the past have raised questions about his judgment and sense of responsibility.
The appointment of Khirwar as MCD Commissioner has also sparked concerns about the message it sends to the public. If government officials who are found to have misused their power and privilege are rewarded with significant roles, it can create a sense of disillusionment among the public. It can also undermine the faith of citizens in the government’s ability to hold its officials accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the appointment of Sanjeev Khirwar as MCD Commissioner is a surprising development, given the controversy surrounding his actions in the past. While Khirwar may have the administrative experience and skills required for the role, his past record raises questions about his judgment and sense of responsibility. As he takes on his new role, it remains to be seen how he will perform and whether he will be able to regain the trust of the public.
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