NDMC needs Chairman

The Home Ministry has been searching for a competent officer to replace Jalaj Shrivastva, a 1984-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre and Chairman, New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC). As NDMC chairman, an officer has access to the all-powerful dignitaries who reside in Lutyens’ Delhi. There are many contenders for the coveted post. It’s an additional secretary’s post so many senior officers of the AGMUT cadre are aspiring for this prized position. There are two prominent names in the running. The only issue is that one of the concerned officers has served as principal secretary to Ajay Maken. Another officer who is also trying for the post has served Uma Bharati on her staff. So hectic lobbying is on. It has been learnt that a very senior officer, whose name emerged prominently in the Commonwealth Games scandal, is trying to instal his own confidant, so all the files still lying in the NDMC can be taken care of comfortably. The Home Ministry is facing a dilemma, as whoever it is likely to choose is in one way or another connected to Congress leaders—a natural corollary as the Congress ruled Delhi for 15 years. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has tasked his officials with searching for an efficient officer but they have not succeeded till now. There are many efficient and honest officers in the AGMUT cadre but the point is, does the Home Ministry really need such officers or are they looking for an officer who has the right connections and recommendations? Let us wait and watch.