New Delhi, Jan 21 (PTI) The Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday appointed a 1994-batch AGMUT cadre IAS officer, Sanjeev Khirwar, as the commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, an official order said.

The appointment was notified through an official order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and communicated to the office of the lieutenant governor of Delhi.

Previous MCD Commissioner Ashwani Kumar, a 1992-batch IAS officer, has been transferred from Delhi to Jammu and Kashmir.

Khirwar, an Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre IAS officer, was transferred to Ladakh from Delhi in May 2022 after a public row. The officer had allegedly cleared the Thyagraj Stadium complex and closed it early in the evening for all athletes so that “he could walk his dog”.

He takes charge at a time when the civic body is preparing to present its budget before the Municipal Corporation House later this month and is dealing with key administrative and financial challenges.

The Commissioner plays a central role in overseeing the corporation’s daily functions, implementing policies and coordinating with various departments. 

About IAS Sanjeev Khirwar

• Batch & Cadre: 1994, AGMUT
• Date of Birth: November 29, 1971
• Birthplace: Delhi
• Education: B.Tech in Computer Science, IIT Delhi (1989–1993)
  M.A. in Economics

Family: Married to Rinku Dugga, also a 1994-batch IAS officer

Career Highlights

Early Career

• First posting as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Chandigarh
• State Postings
• Goa: Held senior positions including Excise Commissioner and Finance Commissioner
• Arunachal Pradesh & Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Key administrative roles

Central Deputation (2009–2014)

Served as Private Secretary to the Union Minister for Women and Child Development

Delhi Government

Held several important positions:

• Principal Secretary (Revenue)
• Divisional Commissioner
• Secretary of Health & Family Welfare, Finance, and Environment
  Ladakh (2022–2026)

Oversaw critical portfolios as Principal Secretary in School Education, Health, and Science & Technology

Significance of the Appointment

Khirwar’s return to Delhi is expected to:

• Strengthen municipal governance in India’s capital
• Leverage his deep knowledge of Delhi’s administrative framework
• Streamline coordination across departments including health, education, finance, and urban development