Urban Development Department halts BBMP engineers’ promotions amid bribery allegations

Bengaluru The Urban Development Department (UDD) has applied brakes on a controversial proposal to promote 23 Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs) from the now-dissolved Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), following allegations that bribes — including cash and gold — were demanded to fast-track their promotions.

The promotion in three years, as against the standard five years of experience in the role, means that the engineers would not only jump to the higher salary scale but also gain the power to float tenders and clear bills.

Last month, BBMP’s Special Commissioner (Administration) wrote to the UDD recommending the promotions.

The letter, dated August 20, argued that a number of Executive Engineer (EE) posts were lying vacant after the creation of Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd (B-SMILE) and Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML). It also cited three past instances when AEEs were promoted after completing just three years in the role.

A senior UDD official confirmed that the department has returned the proposal. The official said the number of EE vacancies did not justify such a large round of promotions, and the AEEs in question had served only the minimum required tenure.

Reliable sources informed DH that the proposal was shelved after allegations surfaced that bribes were demanded in return for clearing the file. It is believed that not just cash, but gold was also sought. The oral complaint had reportedly reached the offices of the chief minister and deputy chief minister as well, according to sources.