Guidelines for Transfers of Group ‘C’ and ‘B’ Officials

Guidelines for Transfers of Group ‘C’ and ‘B’ Officials

The Government of India’s Ministry of Communications, Department of Posts, has recently updated its guidelines regarding the transfer regulations for Group ‘C’ officials, Group ‘B’ (non-gazetted) officials, and Assistant Superintendent of Posts (Group ‘B’ Gazetted). This detailed post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the new guidelines to ensure clarity and ease of understanding for all concerned officials.

Key Updates and Provisions

The guidelines, communicated via the Directorate communication no. X-22/75/2023-SPN-II-DOP dated 09-07-2024, include significant updates from the previous provisions stated in the communication no. 141-141/2013-SPB-II dated 17.01.2019 and modified by X-12/6/2021-SPN-II dated 02.09.2021. The main updates are as follows:

1. Maximum Duration of Temporary Transfers:
   • Temporary transfers are allowed for a maximum period of three years during an official’s entire service.
   • This can be availed in one spell or split into two spells, with a mandatory gap of three years between two spells.
2. New Provisions for Continuous Temporary Transfers:
   • Officials on temporary transfer can now apply for another temporary transfer to a different unit without the three-year gap requirement.
   • This is conditional on the official joining the new unit immediately after the approved period of the initial temporary transfer without returning to the parent unit.
   • The total period of all temporary transfers combined must not exceed three years.

Example Scenario for Clarity

To illustrate the new provisions, consider the following example:

• An official from Circle X, on temporary transfer to Circle Y until 31.12.2024, can apply for another temporary transfer to Circle Z.
• This would be treated as a continuous temporary transfer, bypassing the three-year gap rule.
• Approval from both the Chief Postmaster General (CPMG) of Circle X and Circle Z is required.
• The transfer to Circle Z will be effective from 01.01.2025, and the official will not return to Circle X before joining Circle Z.
• The combined duration in Circle Y and Circle Z must not exceed three years.

Implementation and Immediate Effect

These updated instructions are to be implemented with immediate effect to streamline the transfer processes and enhance administrative efficiency.

Official Communication and Documentation

The detailed official communication includes:

• Directive from Vangara Prasad, Assistant Director General (SPN), outlining the guidelines.