BMC Engineer Transfers Face Probe Over 'Cash For Transfer' Claims

A controversy has erupted in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) over allegations of a 'cash for transfer' racket in the transfer of civic engineers. BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha has sought a detailed inquiry by Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal into the alleged financial irregularities.

The controversy comes in the wake of a similar episode in 2025, when the then Additional Municipal Commissioner (AMC) ordered the transfer of 165 BMC engineers. MLA Ameet Satam had subsequently lodged a written complaint alleging that a 'cash for transfer' practice was involved. The transfer orders were later cancelled following the intervention of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Kotecha has also questioned the conduct of AMC Avinash Dhakane, alleging that the officer has failed to provide information sought by a sitting MLA regarding the recent transfers. However, AMC Dhakane has refused all allegations, stating that the MLA has been provided with the list of transfers and that the files of officers and employees transfers and recommendations are not stored in his office.

Dhakane claimed that this year's transfers were done in a transparent manner, following last year's episode. He stated that all requirements by the departments and staff are considered, including reservations and rules and regulations.

Kotecha's demand comes a day after activist Anil Galgali alleged political recommendations in the transfer process of 225 BMC officers and employees, with the names of ministers, MLAs, MPs, Deputy Mayors and corporators mentioned against them. Galgali, an RTI activist, said that he received the detailed list of transfer recommendations of 2026 from the Office of the City Engineer.

Kotecha claimed that he possesses information pointing to large-scale irregularities in engineer transfers carried out around two to three months ago, including a 'rate card'. He had written to Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide after learning that a fresh transfer proposal was being prepared, reportedly involving nearly half of the engineers included in the earlier list of 165 transfers.

The BMC has been marred by controversies in the past, including allegations of corruption and nepotism. The latest allegations have raised questions about the transparency and accountability of the civic body.

The inquiry sought by Kotecha is likely to shed light on the allegations and provide clarity on the transfer process. The BMC has a responsibility to ensure that its employees are transferred in a fair and transparent manner, without any undue influence or corruption.

In the meantime, the citizens of Mumbai will be watching the developments closely, hoping that the truth will come out and that the BMC will be held accountable for its actions.

The allegations of a 'cash for transfer' racket in the BMC have significant implications for the city's governance and administration. If true, they suggest a deep-seated corruption and lack of transparency in the civic body. The inquiry sought by Kotecha is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that it will lead to meaningful reforms and changes in the BMC's transfer process.

The BMC's transfer policy has been under scrutiny in the past, with allegations of favoritism and nepotism. The latest allegations have raised questions about the effectiveness of the policy and the need for greater transparency and accountability.

In conclusion, the allegations of a 'cash for transfer' racket in the BMC are serious and warrant a thorough investigation. The citizens of Mumbai deserve a fair and transparent civic body, and it is the responsibility of the BMC to ensure that its employees are transferred in a fair and transparent manner.