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 moved 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, especially in the sports community, who had criticized Khirwar’s actions at the time.
For those who may not be aware, the controversy in question took place in 2022, when Khirwar, who was then serving as the Principal Secretary (Revenue) of the Delhi government, allegedly emptied the Thyagraj Stadium, a government-run facility, to walk his dog. The stadium, which is a popular training ground for athletes, was suddenly cleared of all activity, with athletes being asked to wrap up their training earlier than usual. This move was met with widespread criticism, with many calling it an abuse of power and a reflection of the entitled attitude of some bureaucrats.
The incident had sparked a heated debate about the priorities of the Delhi government and the attitude of its officials towards the needs of the common people, including athletes who rely on such facilities for their training. The fact that a high-ranking official like Khirwar could unilaterally decide to empty a public stadium for his personal convenience was seen as a stark example of the VIP culture that pervades many aspects of Indian life.
In the aftermath of the controversy, Khirwar was moved out of Delhi, in what was seen as a damage control exercise by the government. However, it now appears that his exile was short-lived, as he has been appointed as the new MCD Commissioner, a post that gives him significant powers and responsibilities in the governance of the national capital.
The notification of Khirwar’s appointment as MCD Commissioner was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which has the authority to make such appointments. While the MHA has not commented on the reasons behind Khirwar’s appointment, it is likely that his experience and seniority as an IAS officer played a significant role in his selection for the post.
As MCD Commissioner, Khirwar will be responsible for overseeing the functioning of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, which is responsible for providing a wide range of civic services to the citizens of Delhi, including sanitation, public health, education, and infrastructure development. The MCD is also responsible for managing many of the city’s public spaces, including parks, gardens, and stadiums, which makes Khirwar’s appointment all the more interesting in light of the controversy surrounding his actions at the Thyagraj Stadium.
While Khirwar’s appointment as MCD Commissioner may have raised some eyebrows, it is worth noting that he is a senior and experienced IAS officer, with a long track record of service in various capacities. As such, he is likely to bring a significant amount of expertise and knowledge to his new role, which could be beneficial for the city and its citizens.
However, the fact that Khirwar’s past actions have been the subject of controversy and criticism cannot be ignored. As a public servant, he is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability, and his actions must be guided by a sense of fairness, justice, and equity. The fact that he was able to empty a public stadium for his personal convenience, without any apparent regard for the needs and rights of others, raises serious questions about his priorities and values.
As Khirwar takes up his new role as MCD Commissioner, he will be under close scrutiny from the public, the media, and other stakeholders. It is to be hoped that he will use this opportunity to redeem himself and demonstrate a commitment to serving the people of Delhi, rather than his own personal interests. The citizens of Delhi deserve nothing less from their public servants, and it is time for Khirwar to prove himself as a capable and responsible leader.
In conclusion, the appointment of Sanjeev Khirwar as MCD Commissioner is a significant development that has raised many questions and concerns. While Khirwar’s experience and seniority as an IAS officer may have played a role in his selection for the post, his past actions have been the subject of controversy and criticism. As he takes up his new role, he will be under close scrutiny, and it is to be hoped that he will use this opportunity to serve the people of Delhi with integrity, fairness, and accountability.
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