Indian Railways Prioritizes Transfers for Long-Serving Employees
Introduction
Indian Railways has introduced a new transfer policy to prioritize “own request” transfers for non-gazetted employees who have completed more than 20 years of regular service. This employee-friendly initiative aims to recognize the long tenure of dedicated staff by streamlining their transfer processes. The new policy leverages the HRMS portal for efficient management and faster processing of these requests.
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Addressing Long-Pending Transfer Requests
Historically, transfer requests for non-gazetted railway employees were managed based on application submission dates and vacancy availability. While this system served its purpose, it led to prolonged waiting periods for many employees, especially those who had dedicated a significant portion of their careers to Indian Railways. Recognizing this challenge, the Ministry of Railways has now implemented a policy to address these long-standing requests more effectively.
A New Priority for Experienced Employees
The core of the new policy is the creation of a dedicated priority category for non-gazetted railway employees who have accumulated more than 20 years of regular service. This is a significant step towards acknowledging their commitment and ensuring their requests for a change of location are processed with greater expediency. This measure is designed to be an employee-centric approach, demonstrating appreciation for their sustained contributions.
Streamlined Application Process via HRMS
Under the revised guidelines, employees seeking a transfer will continue to submit their applications through the Human Resource Management System (HRMS) portal, specifying their desired zonal railway, division, or unit. This digital platform is central to the new policy, enabling automated processing and record-keeping.
Automated Monthly Priority Lists
A key feature of the new system is the automated generation of consolidated priority lists. On the first day of each month, the HRMS portal will compile a list of all employees with over 20 years of regular service who have requested an “own request” transfer. This regular update ensures that the system remains current and responsive to employee needs.
Criteria for Prioritization
The generated priority list will be categorized to ensure fairness and efficiency. Specifically, category-wise lists will be created for each accepting unit independently. The primary criterion for determining priority within these lists will be the number of years of regular service, with employees having more years of service being placed higher on the list in descending order.
Automatic Transfer Order Issuance
Once the monthly priority list is generated on HRMS, transfer orders will be automatically issued through the system, strictly adhering to the established priority order. This automated process will fill vacancies in the accepting unit. A significant change is that a formal No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the accepting unit will no longer be required for these prioritized transfers, further expediting the process.
Facilitating Physical Relieving
Following the issuance of auto-transfer orders on HRMS, the physical relieving of the employee is expected to occur within 15 days. This process will require the approval of the controlling JAG officer or Branch Officer, ensuring a smooth transition.
Conditions for Holding Physical Relieving
While the aim is swift relocation, there are specific, limited circumstances under which physical relieving can be put on hold. Such holds require the explicit approval of the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM). These exceptional cases include situations where the employee is under Departmental and Administrative Action (D&AR) or vigilance inquiry, or if proper handover of important documents like stock sheets has not been completed. Even in the latter scenario, the responsibility for ensuring proper handover lies with the controlling officers, and the delay should not exceed one month. Employees lacking the prescribed educational qualifications for the new role will also face cancellation of their transfer orders.
Monthly Review of Hold Cases
Any cases where physical relieving is put on hold will be subject to a monthly review at the DRM level. This ensures that prolonged delays are avoided and that legitimate hold reasons are continuously assessed. Transfer orders for employees who do not meet the necessary educational criteria will be cancelled.
Scope and Limitations of the New Scheme
It is crucial to note that the “20 years scheme” is exclusively for facilitating a change of location. Requests for changes in category or department will not be considered under this specific policy. Furthermore, transfers from the open line to Production Units or Workshops are not eligible for this prioritized transfer scheme.
Existing Rules Remain Applicable
For all aspects not explicitly covered by this new 20-year scheme, the existing rules and regulations governing “own request” transfers will continue to apply. This ensures a comprehensive framework for managing transfers across the railway network.
Procedure for Employees with Less Than 20 Years of Service
The established procedure for employees with less than 20 years of regular service will remain unchanged. This includes the existing methods for application registration, the maintenance of priority based on the registration date, and the requirement of an NOC from the accepting unit.
Operationalization of the Scheme
For the successful implementation of this new scheme, it is essential that the HRMS system is fully equipped with all necessary employee details, including posting history, educational qualifications, and other relevant information. To allow all parties time to prepare and ensure the HRMS system is ready, the scheme will become operational two months from the date of this circular.
Conclusion
This new transfer policy marks a significant step forward in supporting the long-term employees of Indian Railways. By prioritizing those who have served for over two decades and leveraging the HRMS portal, the aim is to create a more efficient, equitable, and employee-friendly transfer system. This initiative underscores the railway’s commitment to recognizing and valuing the dedication of its workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of the new Indian Railways transfer policy?
The policy aims to prioritize “own request” transfers for non-gazetted employees who have completed more than 20 years of regular service, recognizing their long tenure.
Who is eligible for transfer under this new policy?
Non-gazetted railway employees who have completed more than 20 years of regular service are eligible for these prioritized transfers.
How are transfers processed under the new policy?
Transfers are processed through the HRMS portal, with a monthly automated generation of priority lists based on service length.
What criteria are used to determine priority for transfers?
Priority is determined by the number of years of regular service in descending order, with category-wise lists generated for each accepting unit.
Is a No Objection Certificate (NOC) required for these transfers?
No, a formal NOC from the accepting unit is not required for transfers under this new scheme.
What is the expected timeframe for physical relieving after an auto-transfer order is issued?
Employees are expected to be physically relieved within 15 days of the auto-transfer order being issued on HRMS, subject to controlling officer approval.
Under what circumstances can physical relieving be put on hold?
Physical relieving can be put on hold with DRM approval in cases of D&AR/vigilance issues, incomplete handover of stock sheets, or if the employee lacks prescribed educational qualifications.
What is the scope of transfers allowed under the “20 years scheme”?
This scheme is exclusively for changing the place of posting; changes in category or department are not permitted.
Are transfers from open line to Production Units/Workshops covered by this scheme?
No, transfers from the open line to Production Units or Workshops are not considered under the “20 years scheme.”
When will the new transfer policy become operational?
The scheme will become operational two months from the date of issue of the policy circular to allow for system readiness.
