Bengaluru, 28 April 

In a big bureaucratic reshuffle, the Karnataka government has transferred Tushar Girinath, IAS (1993 batch), from his post as Chief Commissioner of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Girinath, who held the top civic post for nearly three years, has been appointed Additional Chief Secretary to the Government, Urban Development Department.

A government notification issued on Monday stated that Girinath will also concurrently serve as Additional Chief Secretary to the Home Department and as BBMP Administrator, temporarily replacing Umashankar SR, who retires on 30 April.

Maheshwar Rao M, IAS (1995 batch), currently Managing Director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), has been given concurrent charge as the new Chief Commissioner of BBMP.

The government further clarified that the roles of BBMP Administrator and Chief Commissioner are equivalent to the cadre post of Additional Chief Secretary, as per the IAS (Pay) Rules. Girinath’s tenure was marked by significant challenges, including managing Bengaluru’s urban expansion, major infrastructure upgrades, and responding to growing public scrutiny of the civic body’s performance.

His replacement comes at a critical time as the city prepares for major civic initiatives and ongoing infra-structure development.