Move aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability
TNR News Network
SHIMLA: In a major administrative reform, the Himachal Pradesh government has implemented a new transfer policy requiring employees to submit a detailed record of their last three postings when applying for a transfer.
According to a fresh notification issued by the Department of Personnel, the transfer proforma — now compulsory — must include the names of previous postings, duration spent at each station, category of the current posting (normal, hard or remote) and details of the proposed location.
Mandatory transfer proforma for all requests
Transfer orders issued without this proforma will be deemed invalid, the notification states. The directive has been sent to all administrative secretaries, department heads, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and heads of corporations and boards. The move is part of an effort to curb arbitrary transfers and ensure a documented rationale behind each case.
Himachal Pradesh Personnel Secretary, in the official communication, emphasised that the policy intended to clamp down on ad-hoc transfers that often favoured select individuals. The new rules mandate that every transfer must be justified with clear administrative or public interest grounds. Further, the authorities must verify whether the employee has completed the minimum required tenure at their current posting.
The reforms comes amid frequent complaints that some employees remain in preferred locations for years, while others face repeated transfers within short spans. By introducing a verifiable process, the government aims to instil fairness and consistency in deployment.
Policy anchored in 2013 transfer guidelines
The revamped policy is an amendment to the Himachal Pradesh government’s Comprehensive Guiding Principles of 2013. This framework defines the transfer norms, posting tenures, hard area classifications and administrative justifications necessary for employee movement. The transfer proforma will become part of the official record and can be scrutinised during audits or inquiries.
Officials believe that the policy shift will promote a culture of equal opportunity within government departments. “The idea is to ensure that all employees are treated fairly and that no one is given undue advantage in the transfer process. Every transfer must now withstand administrative scrutiny, which will strengthen accountability across the system,” said a senior government official.
