BMC transfers 695 engineers under new online system after cash transfer scam: Report | Today’s news
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reportedly transferred about 695 engineers anonymously through an online lottery system. The move comes amid allegations of a money transfer scam against the civic body. The Times of India reported that the online system used for the transfers is called the Random-Based Staff Transfer System, which involved 152 junior engineers, 444 secondary engineers and 99 assistant engineers, including civil, mechanical and electrical cadres.
BMC transfers employees based on online lottery system
Under the new system, all employees reportedly submitted up to five of their preferred broadcast locations, from which a final selection was made.
The official said in the publication: “Eligible engineers were allowed to submit one to five preference posts and efforts were made to allocate preferred posts. Transparency and impartiality was maintained in the transmission and submission process, which again showed that there is a positive attitude and satisfaction among technical staff regarding the online process.”
Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Avinash Dhakne assured that maximum engineers were given their preferred posts, which he described as a fair and transparent process. Going forward, offline transfers will be limited to exceptions such as mid-term transfers. The authorities are trying to introduce a similar online system for promotion as well.
“It was a fair and transparent process. So now offline transfers will be an exception in cases where there are mid-term transfers. All routine transfers will be done through online system only. Even in case of mass promotions, we will try to do it online only,” Dhakne was quoted as saying by Times of India.
The cash-for-transfers controversy explained
Controversy surrounding the alleged cash transfers emerged last year. The BMC ordered the transfer of 165 engineers in 2025, which was later canceled by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
She accused BJP MLA Ameet Satam of money transfer scam. Based on the claims, a committee headed by the director of engineering services and projects was formed to deal with the transfers.
169 engineers were reportedly transferred under the committee.
BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha has called upon Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal for a detailed probe into the alleged financial transactions linked to the transfers. Thereafter, the civic body shifted the process of transfers, promotions and postings under its engineering cadre to an online system to promote transparency and minimize irregularities.
New online lottery system
Under the new system, engineers who have completed at least three years in a particular department will be required to submit their transfer decision through an online portal. They can opt for a minimum of one and a maximum of five preferred posts. Employees who meet the three-year tenure requirement but do not submit their preferences online will be assigned automatically based on demand and available vacancies.
Only medical or disability transfer requests are still accepted offline.
