In a significant administrative change, Keshav Chandra, a seasoned Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer from the 1995 batch, has been appointed as the next chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). This decision was confirmed through an official order from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) dated October 30.
Background of Keshav Chandra
Currently serving as the Chief Secretary for the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandra has an impressive track record. His previous roles include key positions at the Delhi Jal Board and as Environment Secretary. His extensive experience in administration will be vital as he takes on the challenges of leading the NDMC.
Transition of Leadership
Chandra succeeds Naresh Kumar, the former Delhi Chief Secretary, whose term concluded in August this year. Following Kumar’s departure, Ashwani Kumar, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) commissioner, was appointed as a link officer to temporarily manage NDMC responsibilities.
The official appointment order states, “In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (a) of sub-section 4 of the New Delhi Municipal Council Act 1994 (44 of 1994), the central government hereby appoints Keshav Chandra AGMUT 1995 to be the chairperson of the NDMC with effect from the assumption of charge and until further orders.” However, it remains unclear when Chandra will officially take over the role.
Pending Appointments within NDMC
Despite the appointment of Chandra, the vice-chairperson position within the NDMC still remains vacant. The council consists of official, non-official, and elected members, with the MHA responsible for nominating members for five-year terms. Currently, four out of five official members have been appointed, including:
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- Ashutosh Agnihotri, MHA Additional Secretary (UT)
- Surendra Kumar Bagde, MoHUA Additional Secretary (D)
- Ravi Kumar Arora, MoHUA Joint Secretary (L&E)
- Niharika Rai, Government of NCT of Delhi Secretary (Finance)
However, the positions of four non-official members, including the vice-chairperson, have yet to be filled. A report highlighted how the lack of permanent appointments to key NDMC posts is hindering policy implementation and various initiatives in Lutyens’ Delhi.
Impact of Leadership Changes
Former Chief Secretary Kumar was given additional responsibilities to oversee NDMC on June 19 following the transfer of previous chairman Amit Yadav. Kumar’s tenure ended on August 18, 2024, and since then, no council meetings have been held.
According to an NDMC official who preferred to remain anonymous, several critical policies and projects are currently on hold. These include:
- Amendments to recruitment rules
- Hiring private parking operators for parking sites in New Delhi
- The JPN Library project
- Development of a veterinary hospital
- Redevelopment of Shivaji Stadium
Conclusion
Keshav Chandra’s appointment as the NDMC chairman represents a new chapter in the governance of New Delhi. His extensive experience and previous roles position him well to address the pending issues and drive key projects forward. As the council awaits further appointments, the effectiveness of the NDMC’s operations will largely depend on the swift resolution of these vacancies and the resumption of regular meetings to foster progress in the region.
