Corruption & Seniority: 27 officials from GHMC Town Planning transferred

Hyderabad: As many as 27 officials from the Town Planning Department of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) have been transferred, with corruption allegations and seniority considerations cited as the primary reasons.

GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan issued the transfer orders on Saturday, marking the beginning of a broader initiative to restore transparency and accountability within the department.

Growing complaints against corruption

The reshuffle includes 13 Assistant City Planners (ACPs) and 14 Section Officers. The decision comes against the backdrop of growing complaints from the public and recent incidents involving some officials being caught by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

‘Cleanse department and instil discipline’

Speaking to NewsMeter, a senior official on condition of anonymity, said that these transfers are part of a larger effort to cleanse the department and instil discipline among the staff. Some officials were also promoted based on merit and service record. The commissioner reportedly assessed individual performance and conduct before finalising the new postings, he said.

In addition to the transfers, GHMC has initiated the process of filling long-pending vacancies and awarding promotions wherever due. The aim is to improve the overall efficiency of the department and reduce bureaucratic delays.

High volume of complaints at Prajavani put pressure

The Town Planning wing has been under intense scrutiny due to a high volume of complaints lodged through platforms like Prajavani. With this reshuffle, authorities are hopeful that citizens will begin to see quicker resolutions to their grievances.

Commissioner Karnan personally handed over the transfer orders to the concerned staff, underlining the seriousness of the exercise. Urban governance analysts see this as a crucial step toward rebuilding public trust in the GHMC’s planning operations.