Impending Transfers: BMC Commissioner Chahal and Pune Municipal Chief Vikram Kumar likely to be transferred

The state government is expected to announce the transfers of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Commissioner IS Chahal and Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Commissioner Vikram Kumar soon. 

According to the state chief electoral officer, Shrikant Deshpande, the move aligns with the transfer policy, and a letter from the election commission on February 22 has been forwarded to the general administration of the state government for further action. Other officers potentially facing transfers from BMC include Additional Municipal Commissioners (AMC) P Velarasu and Ashwini Bhide, as they have completed over three years in their current positions.

BMC Commissioner IS Chahal, who assumed the role on May 8, 2020, is among those likely to be relocated. Chahal had taken over from Praveen Pardeshi, who faced controversy over alleged mismanagement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite initial political dynamics, Chahal has continued in the position even after the change of government.

Ashwini Bhide, an IAS officer of the 1995 batch, served as AMC from May 9, 2020, and was later transferred as the Managing Director of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation in 2022. However, she retained the charge of AMC for overseeing the Coastal Road project. Additional Municipal Commissioner P Velarasu, an IAS officer of the 2002 batch, oversaw projects in the BMC since January 17, 2020.

PMC Commissioner Vikram Kumar, appointed on July 12, 2020, played a crucial role in managing the pandemic. The municipal commissioner of Akola, Kavita Dwivedi, posted on September 3, 2020, is also expected to be transferred.

The state has initiated the search for a candidate to fill the top post at BMC, with speculation suggesting that Additional Chief Secretary Bhushan Gagrani, who heads the CM secretariat, is among the contenders for the position.