Dharmendra, a 1989-batch IAS officer, was appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Delhi, effective September 1. He replaced Naresh Kumar, whose extended tenure ends on August 31. Previously, Dharmendra served as the Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh. The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed the transfer, assigning Dharmendra the top post in the Delhi administration.
Ministry of Home Affairs issues transfer order
The Ministry of Home Affairs officially announced Dharmendra’s transfer from Arunachal Pradesh to Delhi, assigning him to the post of Chief Secretary of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD). The order states that Dharmendra will take over either from September 1 or upon assuming charge, whichever comes later.
Naresh Kumar’s tenure and AAP government tensions
During his tenure as Delhi's Chief Secretary, Naresh Kumar, a 1987-batch IAS officer, has had a contentious relationship with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. His service extension, granted twice by the central government, will conclude at the end of August. Last year, the AAP government accused Kumar of involvement in a land acquisition case, alleging that his actions resulted in undue benefits worth Rs 897 crore to stakeholders. The charges were based on a 670-page report submitted by Delhi's Vigilance Minister Atishi. Kumar denied the allegations, questioning the basis of the accusations and the lack of access to the report.
Allegations against Naresh Kumar
The AAP government had accused Naresh Kumar of colluding in a land acquisition case, where it was alleged that Kumar’s son worked for a realty firm linked to the beneficiaries. The controversy centered around the acquisition of land in Bamnauli village for a road project, where increased compensation was allegedly granted to landowners, including a relative of a director at the realty firm. The vigilance report highlighted that the undue benefit was significantly higher than initially estimated, amounting to Rs 897.1 crore.
This change in leadership marked a significant administrative shift in Delhi, as Dharmendra steps into his new role amidst ongoing tensions between the central and state governments.
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