Almora. Former Divisional President of Uttaranchal Federation of Ministerial Services Association, Kumaon Mandal Nainital, Dhirendra Kumar Pathak, has issued a press statement demanding that the Transfer Act 2017 (enforced in 2018) be implemented in the Education Department. He said that due to its non-implementation, widespread resentment is prevailing among the employees.
Pathak stated that government employees have been waiting the whole year for transfers, but as September is about to end, the transfer policy has not yet been enforced. Promotion and transfer are two vital aspects of government service, and stopping them is a disgraceful situation. He added that this is not only a violation of natural justice and human rights but has also turned an Act passed by the State Assembly into a matter of mockery.
He pointed out that many employees, including those suffering from serious illnesses, those posted in remote areas for years, and single parents, are waiting in despair. Even after employees submitted their options for transfer, the department granted promotions without clarifying whether fresh options would be sought. He asserted that the department has no authority to arbitrarily decide on these options until final settlement is done.
Pathak emphasized that the Transfer Act clearly mentions mandatory transfers followed by request transfers, but during implementation, the priority has been shifted—giving preference to transfers from plain to remote areas, while pushing mandatory transfers from remote to plain to the third position. He termed this a serious issue that must be corrected.
Highlighting other pending issues, he said the government must hold talks with organizations and resolve matters such as:
Discrepancies in Fargo Rules
Irregularities in Golden Card scheme
Promotions within the year of recruitment under relaxation rules
Timely payment of medical reimbursements
Delegation of Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) powers to Chief Administrative Officers
Creation of Level-11 Chief Administrative Officer posts
Merger of posts
Recalling the 94-day-long agitation in 1994 for the formation of Uttarakhand State, Pathak said employees who contributed to the movement never expected to face such neglect. He urged the Chief Minister to intervene immediately, take a final decision, and ensure that the transfer policy is implemented without delay.
