Sanjeev Khirwar Appointed Delhi Municipal Commissioner After 2022 Dog-Walking Controversy
In a significant administrative reshuffle, Sanjeev Khirwar, a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has been appointed as the new municipal commissioner of Delhi. This appointment comes more than three years after he was transferred out of the capital following a controversy related to walking his dog at Thyagraj Stadium. Khirwar is expected to assume his new responsibilities on Thursday, marking a notable return to a key position in Delhi's governance structure.
Background of the 2022 Controversy
The controversy that led to Khirwar's transfer erupted in 2022 when athletes and coaches training at Thyagraj Stadium alleged that they were forced to conclude their sessions earlier than usual, by 7 pm, to accommodate Khirwar and his wife, Rinku Dugga, also a 1994-batch IAS officer, who reportedly needed to walk their dog at the stadium. At that time, Khirwar was serving as Delhi's principal secretary (Revenue), a role that placed him in a high-profile position within the city's administration.
Despite the allegations, then Thyagraj administrator Ajit Chaudhary refuted the claims, stating that the official training time for athletes was until 7 pm, and coaches and athletes typically left after that hour. Khirwar himself denied the allegations, describing them as "absolutely incorrect." However, athletes maintained that their usual training routine extended until 8:30 pm, and the early wrap-up disrupted their preparations, sparking public outcry and media attention.
Transfer and Subsequent Postings
Following the uproar, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) intervened, seeking a report from the Delhi chief secretary regarding the alleged misuse of facilities at Thyagraj Stadium. Based on the findings, the MHA ordered the transfer of both Khirwar and his wife. Khirwar was posted to Ladakh, where he served as principal secretary handling crucial departments, including health and medical education, demonstrating his administrative capabilities in a challenging region.
His wife, Rinku Dugga, was transferred to Arunachal Pradesh, where she served as principal secretary of the Indigenous Affairs Department until she was given compulsory retirement in September 2023. The transfers were part of a broader response to the controversy, with official sources indicating that necessary action would be initiated based on the report submitted to the MHA.
Return to Delhi and Appointment
Khirwar's return to Delhi earlier this month was facilitated as part of a major revamp of AGMUT-cadre IAS and IPS officers. In this reshuffle, he succeeds Ashwani Kumar, a 1992-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, who was transferred to Jammu and Kashmir. Khirwar's appointment as municipal commissioner underscores his reinstatement to a pivotal role in Delhi's urban management, following his previous tenure in the capital.
Prior to the controversy, Khirwar had an extensive career, including serving as private secretary to the Union Minister for Women and Child Development between 2009 and 2014. His experience in both central and state-level positions adds depth to his profile as he takes on the municipal commissioner role.
Impact and Aftermath of the Controversy
The 2022 incident had broader implications for sports facilities in Delhi. In response to the controversy, then Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ordered that all sports facilities run by the Delhi government, including Thyagraj Stadium, be made available for sportspersons until 10 pm. This move aimed to ensure that athletes' training schedules were not disrupted by administrative issues, highlighting the lasting impact of the episode on local governance and sports policy.
A video that emerged during the controversy showed Khirwar and his wife walking on the athletic tracks inside Thyagraj Stadium with their dog, further fueling public debate. The incident served as a reminder of the scrutiny faced by public officials and the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in administrative practices.
As Khirwar steps into his new role, his appointment is likely to be closely watched by stakeholders in Delhi, given the historical context of the controversy. His ability to navigate the complexities of municipal governance will be key to his success in this high-stakes position.
