SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD — FEBRUARY 28, 2026
The proposed trifurcation of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has triggered widespread resentment among its workforce, with employees alleging “forced transfers” and voicing grave concerns over the apparent “disappearance” of Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) funds.
On Saturday, a delegation from the Bhagyanagar Municipal Employees Union (BMS), led by representatives M. Radhakrishna, T. Krishna, and Sridhar Goud, submitted a comprehensive memorandum to the Special Officer, highlighting a brewing crisis within the civic body’s administration.
Financial Uncertainty: The CPS Imbroglio
The primary grievance pertains to the CPS/NPS contributions of employees who joined service after 2004. According to union leaders, while the mandatory deductions are being reflected in their monthly pay slips, the funds are not being credited to their individual Permanent Retirement Account Numbers (PRAN).
”The deductions are happening religiously every month, but the money is vanishing into a vacuum,” stated T. Krishna, General Secretary of the Union. He further alleged that the government has failed to remit its matching contribution for nearly 22 years in some cases. The union has demanded an immediate, reconciled statement of all deductions made since 2004, citing deep anxiety among staff regarding their post-retirement financial security.
Bifurcation Blues: Allegations of High-handedness
The administrative overhaul to divide the GHMC into three distinct entities—GHMC, Cyberabad, and Malkajgiri—has met with stiff resistance. Employees claim the process is being carried out in an opaque and “autocratic” manner, ignoring the residential proximity and seniority of the staff.
The union raised several critical objections:
Sub-judice Status: Leaders questioned the “undue haste” in finalizing staff allocations when a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the trifurcation is still pending before the High Court.
Lack of Consultation: The Union alleged that instead of engaging with recognized employee bodies, officials held a perfunctory meeting on February 20. They claimed that the attendance sheet from that meeting is being misrepresented as a “consent document” for the transfers.
Deviation from Precedent: The staff noted that during the transition from MCH to GHMC years ago, democratic norms and employee preferences were respected—a practice currently being bypassed.
Charter of Demands
The Bhagyanagar Municipal Employees Union has placed a formal demand for a transparent transfer policy.
Their key stipulations include:
Locality-based Postings: Allocations must be based on the employee’s place of residence to avoid logistical hardships.
Voluntary Transfers: Preference should be given to those opting for the new corporations voluntarily.
Mandatory Consent: No employee should be shifted without a signed consent letter.
”If the higher authorities do not address these grievances immediately, we will be forced to intensify our protests,” warned M. Radhakrishna, Hyderabad District President.
The escalating tension suggests that unless the civic administration initiates a transparent dialogue, the transition to the new corporate structure may face significant operational hurdles.
