The Government has introduced a New Transfer Policy for Public Sector Bank Employees in India.
The banks’ ‘Transfer Policy’ has been assessed to enhance transparency and establish a consistent, non-discretionary framework.
Public Sector Banks (PSBs) are advised to incorporate these recommendations into their own ‘Transfer Policy’ with the approval of their Boards. Immediate action is required for implementation and compliance starting from FY 2025-26.
New Transfer Policy for PSU Bank Employees (Government Bank Women Staff)Administrative Layers:
Clearly define various administrative layers (Region, Zone, Circle, FGMO) and establish minimum and maximum tenures at each layer.
Transfer Timelines: Define and adhere to strict transfer timelines, completing transfer exercises before June each year, with mid-year transfers minimized except for promotions or administrative needs.
Transparency in Transfers: Ensure transparency by annually publishing seniority lists and existing/expected vacancies. Rotational transfers should be based on seniority, with exceptions documented.
Automation of Transfer Process: Develop an online platform for the transfer process, allowing employees to express location preferences. The portal should include transfer policies, guidelines, seniority lists, and vacancy details.
Regional Accommodation: Accommodate officers up to Scale-III in their respective linguistic regions to enhance customer service, considering vacancies and administrative needs.
Difficult Areas Designation: Designate certain regions as ‘Difficult Areas’ and prioritize transfers for employees after their tenure there.
Incorporation of Additional Grounds: Include additional grounds for transfer such as marriage, spouse, medical needs, maternity, child care, and distant postings.
Spouse Employment Consideration: Make efforts to post employees in the same or nearby regions if their spouse works in Central or State Governments.
Women Employees’ Transfers: Transfer women employees to nearby locations whenever possible, ensuring their safety and access to basic amenities in remote postings.
Grievance Handling: Address grievances regarding transfer policy violations with care, ensuring detailed deliberations and proper documentation of responses.Appeals Committee: Establish a committee to review transfer appeals, ensuring they are resolved within 15 days.
Transfer Protection for Office Bearers: Clearly define the position, tenure, and applicability of transfer protection for office bearers of Associations/Unions, ensuring it does not apply upon promotion.
