India

BMC Implements Online Lottery System for 695 Engineer Transfers Amid Cash‑for‑Transfer Allegations

By Sneha Biswas

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has transferred approximately 695 engineers using an anonymous online lottery system. The move follows allegations of a cash‑for‑transfer scam involving the civic body. The online system, called Employee Transfer System Based on Randomisation, affected 152 junior engineers, 444 secondary engineers and 99 assistant engineers across civil, mechanical and electrical cadres. Employees were allowed to submit between one and five preferred posting locations; the final selection was made from these preferences. An official told the Times of India that the process was transparent and impartial, and that it reflected a positive attitude and satisfaction among the engineering cadre. Municipal commissioner (eastern suburbs) Avinash Dhakne said the maximum number of engineers received their preferred postings and described the process as fair and transparent. He added that offline transfers would be restricted to exceptions such as mid‑term transfers, and that a similar online system would be introduced for promotions.

The controversy over alleged cash‑for‑transfer surfaced last year. BMC had ordered the transfer of 165 engineers in 2025, a decision later cancelled by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. BJP MLA Ameet Satam alleged a cash‑for‑transfer scam, prompting the formation of a committee headed by the director of engineering services and projects. Under that committee, 169 engineers were transferred. BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha called for a detailed investigation by Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal into alleged financial transactions linked to the transfers. In response, the civic body moved the process of transfers, promotions and postings within its engineering cadre to an online system to promote transparency and minimise irregularities.

Under the new system, engineers who have completed at least three years in a particular department must submit their transfer choices through an online portal, selecting a minimum of one and a maximum of five preferred postings. Employees who meet the three‑year tenure requirement but fail to submit preferences online will be assigned postings automatically based on requirements and available vacancies. Only transfer applications on medical or disability grounds are still accepted offline.

The article also includes a profile of Sneha Biswas, a Deputy Chief Content Producer at Live Mint with over six years of experience in digital media. Biswas specialises in entertainment and pop culture coverage, has worked for the HT Group, and is Google News certified. She has contributed to breaking news, explainers, trend reporting, box office reports and analysis for the audience. Her professional interests lie at the intersection of entertainment, internet culture and global pop trends, and she works closely with the National city team to follow global entertainment movements while maintaining a strong pulse on Indian developments.