State govt lifts transfer ban for 11 days

The Bhajan Lal government has granted a coveted gift to state employees by lifting the ban on transfers for 11 days. With this decision, transfers are permitted from February 10th to 20th. The government’s move to lift the ban ahead of the Lok Sabha elections is considered a substantial decision, encompassing transfers in boards and commissions.
Notably, the order does not specify transfers for third-grade teachers, who were anticipated to be transferred based on a previously announced policy.
The removal of the transfer ban before the Lok Sabha elections is seen as a major decision by the government, impacting not only regular employees but also those on boards and commissions. However, third-grade teachers will have to wait for their transfers as the government’s policy for their transfer remains in effect.
Employees had long awaited the removal of the transfer ban since the formation of the government. The previous government witnessed a surge in transfers, leading the BJP to criticize the Congress government, labelling the transfer process as the “transfer industry.” The ban on transfers has been in effect since January 2023. All eyes are now on the designation process, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizing caution in transfers based on designations. The extent of transfers based on the designations of MLAs and ministers remains to be seen. Following the change in government, MLAs and ministers have begun receiving requests for designations.
The order has raised questions about its timing, considering the end of the financial year 2023-24, prevalent seasonal diseases, and upcoming board exams. The feasibility of completing transfers within the stipulated 11 days is also a point of contention.