The guidelines specify that transfers should be effected, subject to certain conditions, only during April and May, every year. Prior permission of the chief minister should be obtained for any transfers made after the said period.

Some of the conditions under which transfers could be effected are: to fill up vacancies for administrative purposes; spouses seeking transfer to a same place; mutual transfers (with consent letter), in case of employees suffering from serious diseases - for their health and welfare of their dependents; employees facing departmental inquiry following complaints from the public; necessity to fill the vacancies through promotion (only for vacant posts) and request transfer in case of employees retiring in the next two years.

The rules are not applicable to employees coming under Police Personnel Board and teachers coming under Karnataka Civil Service Rules, 2007. Even the deputation of employees from one department to the other should be made only during the transfer period and such deputations should not be effected unless a clear request from the departments concerned.

Transfer of ‘C’ and ‘D’ group employees should be made by the Cadre Management Authority and that of ‘A’ and ‘B’ group employees should be effected on the recommendation of the Authority and with due consent from the minister concerned. Such transfers should not exceed three per cent of the total staff (in respect of ‘A’ and ‘B’ group employees) and 4.5 per cent in respect of ‘C’ and ‘D’ group employees.

Transfers withheld

Meanwhile, the State government has withheld transfer of four assistant commissioners, a day after the issue of the order.