New Delhi | January 22, 2026

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday appointed Sanjeev Khirwar, a 1994-batch AGMUT cadre IAS officer, as the new Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Commissioner. He replaces Ashwani Kumar, a 1992-batch IAS officer, who has been transferred to Jammu and Kashmir. The appointment was officially notified through an order issued by the MHA and communicated to the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.

Ashwani Kumar served as the MCD Commissioner from June 2024 to January 2026. Before this, he played a key role as the special officer responsible for the unification of the three municipal corporations into a single unified MCD between May 2022 and February 2023, until elections were held and a mayor was appointed. He also previously held the position of Principal Secretary (Home) in the Delhi government.

Khirwar assumes charge at a crucial time, as the MCD is preparing to present its budget later this month. The commissioner’s role is critical in managing daily administration, implementing policies, and coordinating with different departments. The new appointment comes with major administrative and financial challenges, especially with the budget presentation around the corner.

The reshuffle also marks Khirwar’s return to Delhi after being at the centre of a controversy three years ago. In May 2022, he was accused of blocking athletes’ practice at the Delhi government-run Thyagraj Stadium so that he could walk his dog—an allegation he strongly denied. Following the incident, he was transferred to Ladakh. Now, he is back in Delhi to lead the MCD at a critical time.

New Delhi Gets a New MCD Commissioner: Sanjeev Khirwar Returns Amid Budget Pressure

 The Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday appointed Sanjeev Khirwar, a 1994-batch AGMUT cadre IAS officer, as the new Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Commissioner. He will take over from Ashwani Kumar, a 1992-batch IAS officer, who has been transferred to Jammu and Kashmir. The official order was issued by the MHA and shared with the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.

Ashwani Kumar served as the MCD commissioner from June 2024 to January 2026. Earlier, he played a major role as the special officer during the unification of the three municipal corporations into a single MCD from May 2022 to February 2023. He also held the position of Principal Secretary (Home) in the Delhi government.

Sanjeev Khirwar will now lead the MCD just weeks before the corporation’s budget presentation, which is scheduled for later this month. The commissioner’s job is crucial as he will have to manage daily operations, implement policies, and coordinate with various departments. The MCD is facing several administrative and financial challenges, and Khirwar’s role will be key in handling them.

This appointment also marks Khirwar’s return to Delhi after a controversy in May 2022. He was accused of stopping athletes from practicing at the Delhi government-run Thyagraj Stadium so that he could walk his dog, an allegation he denied. He was then transferred to Ladakh. Now, he is back in the capital to take charge of the MCD during a crucial time.