Gurugram gets new DC, MCG Commissioner
In a major administrative reshuffle, Gurugram has welcomed new leadership. Ajay Kumar, a 2013-batch IAS officer, has taken over as Deputy Commissioner and Ashok Kumar Garg, a 2009-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the new Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) Commissioner.
Ajay Kumar, originally from Himachal Pradesh and an IIM graduate, previously worked as a software engineer at IBM in Bangalore before joining the IAS in 2013. He has served as the Deputy Commissioner of Rohtak, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh and Nuh. In a statement to The Tribune, he emphasised upgrading civic infrastructure would be his top priority. “Gurugram is the face of Haryana, and my goal is to ensure the city lives up to its reputation as the ‘Millennium City.’ I would focus on infrastructure upgrades, resolving public grievances, timely implementation of government schemes and projects and coordinating with all authorities to ensure smooth delivery of government services,” he said.
Similarly, Ashok Kumar Garg also highlighted the need for infrastructure improvements in Gurugram. Having previously worked as the MCM Commissioner and MCG Joint Commissioner, he has first-hand experience with the city’s civic challenges. “I understand the difficulties we face. My main focus will be on restoring efficient waste management and improving sanitation in Gurugram. I have learnt civic agencies cannot solve these issues alone. We will strengthen two-way communication with residents and encourage community participation in civic development,” Garg stated.
Renu Sogan, a 2019-batch IAS officer currently serving as the HSVP administrator in the city, would succeed Garg as MCM Commissioner.
Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) are optimistic about the new leadership. “New officials bring new energy. The city is facing significant challenges and we hope this change will lead to improvements. We plan to meet with the new officials soon to discuss our demands and expectations,” said Praveen Malik, President of the United Association of New Gurugram.
