After 15 yrs, an IAS becomes LMC chief

LUCKNOW: : Ajay Dwivedi, an IAS officer of 2015 batch, named Lucknow municipal commissioner on Saturday night, is the first IAS officer to head the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) in 15 years.

Alok Kumar was the last IAS to head LMC from 2004-05. Dwivedi replaced Indramani Tripathi, a provincial civil service (PCS) officer, who has become special secretary in urban development department. He is likely to take over his new assignment on Monday. Leaders of different political parties in LMC house praised the functioning of Tripathi.

“Municipal commissioner Indramani Tripathi worked hard during corona crisis,” said Congress party leader in LMC house Girish Mishra, a corporator from Sardar Patel ward.

Mayor Sanyukta Bhatia admitted there was difference of opinion between her and Tripathi but said both strived for development of the state capital.

“Yes we had a difference of opinion but we weren’t enemies. Both of us wanted to work for benefit of development of Lucknow. My duty is to ask for transparency in LMC budget, expenditures and income, which I did. This should not be confused as personal grudge against anyone. I wish him best of luck,” she said.

“I feel happy that the state government has handed over the responsibility of municipal commissioner to an IAS officer. People have elected me for guarding public money which I will continue to do,” she said.

Outgoing municipal commissioner Indramani Tripathi made a brief comment. “I have always worked for development of Lucknow and I don’t want to comment over my tenure. It’s for all of you to judge,” he said.