IAS officer Dharmendra appointed as Delhi's new chief secretary
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has appointed IAS officer Dharmendra as Delhi's new chief secretary. He succeeds Naresh Kumar, a 1987 batch IAS officer whose term expired on August 31. The Centre had extended the tenure of Kumar for an additional three months until August in May. This decision followed a previous six-month extension that was due to end on May 31, 2024. Kumar was originally due to retire in November.
Order by Ministry of Home Affairs
Centre's justification for Kumar's extension
The Centre's decision to extend Kumar's tenure was challenged in the Supreme Court by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which opposed the move without its consultation. Representing the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated, "The central government is of the view that Naresh Kumar...should continue for six months. Rules do not permit more than six months." The Centre and Delhi government had been at odds over the extension of Kumar's tenure, whom the AAP accused of being involved in numerous scams.
Allegations against Kumar by AAP minister
In November last year, AAP minister Atishi accused Kumar of unfairly favoring his son in securing a government tender. The party had also alleged Kumar's involvement in a ₹850-crore land compensation scam linked to the Dwarka Expressway project. Atishi recommended immediate removal and disciplinary action against Kumar in a report to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. However, this report was dismissed by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena as "prejudiced" and "devoid of merit," stating that it could potentially hinder ongoing investigations.
Who is Dharmendra
Dharmendra, who will replace Kumar from September 1, served as the chief secretary of Arunachal Pradesh before being transferred to Delhi. He is one of the most senior officers in the AGMUT cadre. He formerly served as Delhi's divisional commissioner, as well as in the urban development department, the Delhi Municipal Corporation, and the New Delhi Municipal Council, in addition to holding several posts in the central government.
