Tech Transition: BMC will train 224 in SAP

In a step towards autonomous functioning, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is spending Rs 5.96 crore for ensuring that its 224 officials acquire technical training in data processing using System Application and Products (SAP) certification.

BMC, the largest municipal corporation in the country had implemented SAP, an enterprise resource planning software, which allows running of operations of an administration in an integrated manner. However, IT department officials opine there has been a dearth of technical knowhow among employees, thereby affecting progress of many IT-related projects. In fact, in December last, BMC had received flak from corporators for spending a hefty sum as consultancy fees to private companies for IT related work, while doubting its capacity to run the IT cell.

Following this, the administration decided to shortlist 224 employees from various departments to undergo the training program from next month. “ We have received an

overwhelming 500 applications from officials wanting to train for SAP certification, of which 224 will be shortlisted after interview,” said an official from the IT department on condition of anonymity.

SAP was implemented in May 2007 by a consortium of SAP- India, Siemens and ABM Knowledgeware private limited company. As per the deal, ABM, besides implementing SAP for BMC, it also needs to provide change management support till 2012, which accounts to spending nearly Rs 30 crore from the civic administration's kitty. Deputy Municipal Commissioner (IT department) Prakash Patil said Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited would provide the training as they are SAP partners.

Stating that phase- wise exams will be held, Patil added, “ While the market cost is about Rs 3 lakh for undergoing SAP certification, BMC will foot the bill for all its 224 employees, who will have to sign a fiveyear- bond with us.” The training will involve learning public sector operations like, citizen portal ward management, functionalities like finance, material management, project systems, HRD, fund management, plant maintenance and real estate.