BMC rolls out online system for transfer of engineers to bring in transparency

Mumbai: Transfers, promotions and postings in the BMC engineering cadre will now be carried out online in a transparent manner, taking into consideration administrative requirements, vacant posts, request applications, and recommendations received, the civic administration has stated. Junior engineers, sub-engineers and assistant engineers eligible for transfer can submit their preferences through online applications between September 5 and 20, said BMC.

The move comes against the backdrop of the cash-for-transfer controversy, involving 163 engineers. The transfers were later stayed and cancelled. A committee, headed by the director of engineering services and projects, was set up to carry out periodic transfers in the engineering cadre. The committee subsequently carried out transfers of 169 engineers.

To bring transparency to the process, BMC has introduced the online system called Employee Transfer System Based on Randomization. Junior engineers, sub-engineers and assistant engineers who have worked in the same department for three years or more will be required to submit their transfer preferences through an online application. The process will be computerised, with employees allowed to give a minimum of one and a maximum of five preferences.

However, if a transfer is required on grounds of disability or medical reasons, the application can also be submitted offline. If an employee who has completed three years or more in the same department does not submit their preference online, the system will automatically take an appropriate decision regarding the transfer based on available manpower and vacant posts.

Activist Anil Galgali, who was a complainant in the cash-for-transfer controversy, said, “There has been a demand from all sections, including the engineering cadre, for a transparent policy. This is a good step and it should not be restricted to the engineering cadre alone.”

The BMC, in a release, said that between October 2025 and August 2026, more than 440 vacant posts in the engineering cadre were filled through promotions. While giving postings after promotion, priority was mainly given to filling vacant posts, request applications, the experience of the persons concerned and recommendations received.