Mumbai: After string of top jobs, Bhushan Gagrani now at BMC HQ

New Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani with I S Chahal. Pic/Satej Shinde

After two days of uncertainty, the BMC welcomes its new commissioner, Bhushan Gagrani, following the Election Commission of India's directive. Alongside, Additional Commissioners Abhijit Bangar and Amit Saini also assumed their roles on Wednesday, marking the first instance of three top officials joining in a single day. The state issued an order removing two Additional Commissioners, Ashwini Bhide and P Velrasu, on Tuesday evening. However, the appointment of the new civic chief was confirmed by the EC on Wednesday afternoon, leading to a swift transition.

The news of the order went viral around 3 pm. The waiting area for the commissioner's office was vacant at that time. "The commissioner left at 3 pm. His belongings like trophies, certificates, and photo frames were packed on Tuesday evening itself. So, there wasn't anything left behind," said an employee of the BMC. Chahal returned with newly appointed Bhushan Gagrani at 5.15 pm.

BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani

Gagrani commended Chahal for his efforts during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. "Around two years ago, I attended one meeting in the BMC while I was Urban Development Secretary. Chahal told me that time that he would welcome me in his chair soon. His words have come true," said Gagrani. Chahal had taken charge in May 2020 amid the pandemic. However, Chahal's tenure faced scrutiny due to various allegations of irregularities and corruption.

Earlier in the day, Ashwini Bhide handed over responsibilities to Amit Saini and Abhijit Bangar, with P Velrasu on leave. Dr Saini, an MBBS graduate and a 2007 batch IAS officer, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, including Commissioner of Nagpur Municipal Corporation and CEO of Maharashtra Maritime Board. Bangar, a 2008 batch IAS officer, served as Commissioner of Thane Municipal Corporation before assuming his current position.

In a letter dated March 18, 2024, to the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, the EC secretary outlined directives regarding the tenure of officers involved in elections. As per the guidelines, officers serving in their home district or completing three years in a district by June 30, 2024, were to be transferred. Chahal and Velrasu await further assignments, Bhide assumed full charge as MD of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation.

Who is Bhushan Gagrani?

Bhushan Gagrani, a distinguished IAS officer, has held several key positions in the state, including Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department. Notably, he played a crucial role in managing the Swine Flu crisis in 2008-2009 as Secretary of the Medical Education and Pharmaceuticals Department.

Amit Saini, Ashiwni Bhide and Abhijit Bangar at the BMC headquarters

Before joining the BMC, Dr Gagrani served as Additional Chief Secretary in the Chief Minister's Office, overseeing Urban Development, Water Resources, and Marathi Language departments. A 1990 batch IAS officer, Dr Gagrani holds multiple degrees, including an MBA from the University of Birmingham and a PhD in Management from Mumbai University.

Throughout his career, Dr Gagrani has made significant contributions across various domains, from land revenue management to district administration. His tenure has been marked by exemplary leadership and dedication to public service, earning him accolades at every step of his journey. EC appointed Saurabh Rao as the municipal commissioner of Thane and Kailas Shinde as the commissioner of Navi Mumbai.