Let’s take a hint, Sir, the gathering you arranged,
Those who bear witness to the impending doomsday.
George Bernard Shaw once said, the only secret to success is to make as many people angry as possible. This perfectly fits some successful individuals. For instance, after retirement, government officials often face intense competition for bureaucratic positions. They have to navigate through various challenges and obstacles. Some controversies arise in the process, and individuals like Arun Kumar are no exception. Originally from Bihar, Arun Kumar belongs to the 1989 batch of the Haryana cadre of IAS officers. Recently, he has been appointed as the fresh Chairman of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) in Gurugram.
Before assuming this position, he served as the Chief Commissioner of the Right to Service Commission in Chandigarh. He resigned from this position to join RERA. Although he had the opportunity to take up a post in the Jammu region, he declined. He had a long-standing tenure in the Civil Aviation Ministry at the central level, where he served as the Director-General for an extended period. When he became the DG, he was an IAS officer at the Additional Secretary level. Later, he was promoted to Additional Secretary and Secretary, but his primary role remained as the DG. It is said that Arun Kumar was one of the favorite officers of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Perhaps that is why he continues to receive numerous opportunities even after retirement.
Arun Kumar has had an illustrious career in Haryana as well. He served as the Deputy Commissioner (DC) in Rohtak and Faridabad. He also held the position of DC in Chandigarh. During his tenure as the DC in Rohtak, he initiated an FIR against the influential INLD legislator Balbir Singh, also known as Bali Pahalwan. In Faridabad, a dispute arose with the then SP Ranbir Sharma. He had Ranbir Sharma’s PA arrested on charges of corruption. Overall, he has been a senior officer in the state. Going out of the way to accommodate everyone and keeping everyone happy is not his nature. His working style and tough demeanor align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s preferences, which is why he has been given considerable autonomy in the central government. He has been kept in the same position for a long time. He is skilled in maintaining balance, and during his tenure, the number and expansion of airports have significantly increased. Arun Kumar is likely to face challenges in RERA. It is hoped that with his rich administrative experience, he will strive to elevate the status of RERA. Arun Kumar’s personality can be described as…
Speak, and we’ll make you splendid,
Fill your eyes with dreams brighter than moonlight.
By trusting once, walk with us,
We’ll turn the stones on your path into roses.
Dr. Sonia Trikha
Khullar
The trees enduring autumn witness the return of spring. Humans plan, yet destiny unfolds unexpectedly. Sometimes it seems human control is limited. Controversy with Health Minister Anil Vij led to Dr. Sonia Trikha Khullar’s removal as department head. She received offers from major hospital groups but chose the unexpected opportunity in the government as an HPSC member. Her appointment aligns with upcoming Haryana elections, making the timing reasonable. Opposition leader Bhupinder Hooda humorously commented on her shift, likening it to a station master’s transfer and promotion to DSP.
Sahir Ludhianvi’s couplet resonates:
“The night is a guest of darkness
Who can stop the arrival of dawn.”
Testing fate…
Some retired officers are gearing up for the electoral battle in Haryana. Among them are two retired IAS officers, Jagdeep Shyoran and Chandraprakash. Jagdeep, son of former MLA Bahadur Singh Loharu, served as a minister in the Chautala government. Chandraprakash is aspiring for the Congress ticket from Adampur. Recently, retired IPS officer Subhash Yadav joined the Congress. Another retired Deputy Inspector General, B.S. Sandhu, is vying for a BJP ticket from Ambala Lok Sabha seat. Additionally, some officers are contemplating a political journey, but their fate remains uncertain in the current political scenario.
Opportunity knocking…
Recent municipal corporation elections in Karnal, Panipat, Rohtak, Yamunanagar, and Rohtak marked the end of their five-year term. Faridabad and Gurugram corporations had concluded earlier. With BJP’s enthusiasm post-state elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, conducting elections in these corporations offers a chance to assess public sentiment before the upcoming Assembly elections. Congress is striving to regain stability. The outcome will reveal how parties capitalize on this opportunity.