AGMUT Cadre Reshuffle: IAS Sanjeev Khirwar Returns to Delhi as Health Principal Secretary After Ladakh Posting
In a significant development under the latest AGMUT cadre restructuring, senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Sanjeev Khirwar (1994 batch) has been transferred back to Delhi from the Union Territory of Ladakh. The move comes as part of a large-scale reshuffle of IAS and IPS officers ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), aimed at realigning administrative leadership across key Union Territories and strategic postings.
Khirwar, who had been serving in Ladakh since 2022, will now assume charge as Principal Secretary, Health Department, Government of NCT of Delhi.
Revisiting the Thyagraj Stadium Controversy
Khirwar had drawn nationwide attention in 2022 following a controversy involving Delhi’s Thyagraj Stadium. Allegations surfaced that athletes were being asked to vacate the stadium track by early evening hours to facilitate personal use by Khirwar and his wife, IAS officer Rinku Dugga (1994 batch).
Several coaches and athletes claimed that training sessions were curtailed around 7 PM to allow the couple to walk their pet dog inside the stadium premises. While Khirwar acknowledged that he occasionally walked his dog at the venue, he categorically denied interfering with athletic activities.
A video of an exchange between stadium officials and sportspersons went viral, triggering public backlash and political criticism. In the aftermath, the MHA transferred Khirwar to Ladakh, while his wife was posted to Arunachal Pradesh and later given compulsory retirement in 2023.
Following the incident, then Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal directed that all government-run sports complexes in Delhi remain open for athletes until 10 PM to ensure uninterrupted training access.
Large-Scale AGMUT Cadre Transfers
The present reshuffle involves the transfer of 31 IAS officers and 18 IPS officers across Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Goa, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, Chandigarh and Mizoram. The restructuring is aimed at strengthening governance in sensitive and strategically important regions.
Notable movements include:
Ashwani Kumar, IAS (1992): Delhi → Jammu & Kashmir
Sanjeev Khirwar, IAS (1994): Ladakh → Delhi
Santosh D. Vaidya, IAS (1998): Jammu & Kashmir → Delhi
Ajit Kumar Singla, IPS (2004): Puducherry → Delhi
Mangesh Kashyap, IPS (2009): Delhi → Arunachal Pradesh
Profile of IAS Sanjeev Khirwar
Batch & Cadre: 1994, AGMUT
Date of Birth: November 29, 1971
Place of Birth: Delhi
Educational Background
B.Tech (Computer Science), IIT Delhi
M.A. in Economics
Family
Married to Rinku Dugga, IAS (1994 batch)
Distinguished Administrative Career
Khirwar began his career as Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Chandigarh and has since served across multiple Union Territories and states.
Key Assignments
Goa: Excise and Finance Commissioner
Arunachal Pradesh & Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Senior administrative roles
Central Deputation (2009–2014): Private Secretary to Union Minister for Women and Child Development
Delhi Government: Principal Secretary (Revenue), Divisional Commissioner, Secretary of Health & Family Welfare, Finance, and Environment
Ladakh (2022–2026): Principal Secretary for School Education, Health, and Science & Technology
Looking Ahead
With his return to Delhi, Khirwar is poised to play a critical role in steering the capital’s public health administration. His appointment as Principal Secretary, Health reflects continued confidence in his administrative expertise and experience, marking a new phase in his career following his Ladakh tenure.
