Odisha Introduces New Transfer Policy for OAS Officers to Enhance Transparency

Bhubaneswar, April 16: The Odisha government has unveiled a comprehensive transfer policy for officers of the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS), aimed at promoting transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the administrative system.

As per the new guidelines, OAS-A (Junior Branch) officers cannot remain posted in a single district for more than six consecutive years. Additionally, no officer will be allowed to serve in the same district for over ten years during their entire service tenure, including periods of leave.

The policy sets a cap of seven years on foreign service deputation for OAS-A (JB) officers. Posting in an officer’s home district will generally not be permitted, though relaxation may be granted within two years prior to retirement based on individual requests. However, such officers will not be assigned roles like Tahsildar or Block Development Officer.

Special provisions have been included for officers with disabilities. Those with 40 per cent or more disability may be considered for transfers based on their needs, particularly if family support is required.

The policy also addresses postings in KBK districts—Kalahandi, Nuapada, Sonepur, Balangir, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, and Nabarangpur—as well as Kandhamal and Gajapati. Officers serving in these regions will be eligible for transfer after completing a minimum of three years, though they may opt to continue for a longer duration.

For initial postings and counselling under the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, priority will be given to vacancies in KBK districts and other scheduled areas.

In cases where both spouses are government or PSU employees, efforts will be made to post them in the same or nearby locations, subject to administrative feasibility, but not in their home district.

The general transfer window has been fixed from April 15 to June 15 each year. Transfers outside this period will require approval from higher authorities. Officers are expected to serve a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years in a particular posting, with exceptions allowed in administrative or public interest.

Transferred officers must join their new postings within seven days of being relieved. If not formally relieved within this period, they will be deemed relieved on the eighth day.

All transfer requests will be reviewed by a committee constituted by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, with final approval resting with the competent authority.

The policy also strictly prohibits officers from attempting to influence transfer and posting decisions and clarifies that no officer has the right to claim a specific posting.

The move is expected to streamline administrative functioning and ensure a more equitable and transparent system of postings across the state.