BMC Introduces Randomized Online Transfer System for Civic Engineers in Mumbai

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has introduced an automated randomization system for transferring civic engineers across Mumbai, moving to curb political interference and eliminate arbitrary postings within the civic body.

According to an official circular dated September 2 and signed by Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, the "Employee Transfer System Based on Randomization" will oversee transfers for Junior Engineers, Sub-Engineers, and Assistant Engineers from the City Engineer's Office. The initiative mandates that engineers who have served in the same department or section for three years or more must submit their transfer preferences through an online application process.

The administrative overhaul follows revelations by Right to Information activist Anil Galgali, who made public a detailed list showing 225 transfers of civic engineers and officers allegedly carried out on political recommendations. Galgali welcomed the shift to an automated process, stating that the new system is expected to bring greater transparency, accountability, and fairness while curbing political recommendations, undue pressure, favoritism, and arbitrary practices.

The policy was issued against the backdrop of resurfaced allegations regarding a cash-for-transfers racket in the municipal corporation. On Tuesday, BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha approached Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal seeking a detailed inquiry into alleged financial irregularities linked to the posting of civic engineers.

Under the new rules, eligible engineers must log between one and five transfer preferences online between September 5 and September 20. The administration confirmed that no offline preference applications will be entertained, though offline requests may be submitted outside the scheduled window for employees requiring transfers due to disability or medical reasons.

The circular also specified that if an engineer who has completed three or more years in a post fails to submit preferences online, the computer system will automatically decide the transfer based on vacant posts and available manpower. The civic administration noted that submitting preferences does not guarantee a posting to any selected location, as final placements will depend strictly on administrative requirements, vacancies, and established criteria.