Ashwani Kumar, a seasoned IAS officer from the 1992 batch, has been appointed as the new Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). This appointment was formalised through a notification issued by the Union Home Ministry on Tuesday.
Kumar, who previously held the position of Additional Chief Secretary in the Delhi government, will be succeeding the outgoing commissioner, Gyanesh Bharti. Bharti is set to transition to the Centre, where he will serve as an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Kumar brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served as the Special Officer in the MCD following its unification by the Centre in May 2022. In this capacity, he oversaw the seamless amalgamation of the three erstwhile municipal bodies—North, South, and East Delhi Municipal Corporations—into a single entity. His tenure was marked by the exercise of powers akin to those of the deliberative wing, ensuring that the integration process was smooth and efficient until the municipal elections were conducted and a Mayor was appointed in February 2023. During his period as Special Officer, Kumar was entrusted with significant responsibilities. In October 2022, the Union Home Ministry extended his mandate by appointing him as the Principal Secretary, Home, of the Delhi government, a role that augmented his administrative portfolio and influence within the governance structure of Delhi.
Kumar’s appointment as the new MCD Commissioner comes at a crucial juncture, as the MCD is poised to undertake several key initiatives aimed at improving urban infrastructure and public services in Delhi. His prior experience and familiarity with the workings of the MCD are expected to facilitate continuity and stability within the organisation, enabling it to address the myriad challenges of urban management more effectively. The transition of Gyanesh Bharti to a new role at the Centre underscores the dynamic nature of administrative appointments and the importance of experienced leadership in managing the complex urban framework of Delhi. Bharti’s tenure saw significant developments in the MCD’s operational strategies, and his new role is anticipated to benefit from his extensive experience in urban governance.
