Sanjeev Khirwar Appointed as New Commissioner of Municipal Corporation of Delhi
The Union Home Ministry has appointed senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Sanjeev Khirwar as the new Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) with immediate effect. This significant administrative appointment was officially announced on Wednesday, January 22, 2026, through a formal communication from the Ministry.
Official Appointment Notification
In a letter addressed to the Secretary to the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, Director of the Home Ministry, Anish Muraleedharan, conveyed the decision. The letter stated, "I am directed to convey the approval of the competent authority for appointment of Sanjeev Khirwar, as the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, with immediate effect and until further orders." This directive underscores the government's immediate implementation of the appointment without any delay.
Background of Sanjeev Khirwar
Sanjeev Khirwar is a 1994-batch IAS officer belonging to the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory) cadre. His career has spanned various key positions in both central and state governments, demonstrating extensive administrative experience.
His previous roles include:
- Serving as the Private Secretary to then Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath from 2009 to 2014.
- Postings in the Commerce Ministry before being transferred to Delhi in 2018 as the Secretary of Health and Family Welfare.
- Assignments in departments such as environment, general administration, and revenue, highlighting his versatile expertise in public administration.
Controversial Past and Transfer
Khirwar's appointment comes after a period of controversy. In 2022, The Indian Express reported that he had used the Delhi government-run Thyagraj Stadium to walk his dog, leading to athletes being forced to end their practice sessions early. Following this report, Khirwar—who was then serving as the Principal Secretary (Revenue) and Divisional Commissioner in Delhi—was transferred to Ladakh. This move was widely seen as a disciplinary action in response to the incident.
Implications for Delhi's Civic Administration
The appointment of Sanjeev Khirwar as MCD Commissioner marks a significant development in Delhi's civic governance. As the head of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, he will be responsible for overseeing critical functions such as:
- Urban planning and infrastructure development.
- Public health and sanitation services.
- Revenue collection and financial management.
- Environmental initiatives and general administration.
His return to a prominent role in Delhi after his transfer to Ladakh indicates a renewed trust in his administrative capabilities by the Union Home Ministry. This decision is expected to bring experienced leadership to the MCD, which plays a vital role in managing the capital city's municipal affairs.
The appointment is effective immediately and will continue until further orders, ensuring stability in the corporation's leadership during a crucial period for Delhi's urban management.
