Bhubaneswar, April 15: The Odisha government has introduced a new transfer policy for Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Group-A (Junior Branch) and Odisha Revenue Service (ORS) officers, aiming to improve transparency and accountability in administration. The directive, issued by Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, outlines several key measures to ensure rational postings and professional integrity among officers.

Under the new policy, transfers will occur annually between April 15 and June 15, with any transfer outside this window requiring higher authority approval. Officers will serve a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years at any station, though adjustments can be made in exceptional cases.

Geographical restrictions have been introduced, prohibiting officers from serving in the same district for more than six years consecutively or ten years in total. Officers will also not be posted in their home districts except in special cases.

Special provisions have been made for officers with disabilities (40% or more), and the government will aim to accommodate married couples with nearby postings, though this is not a guaranteed right. Service in the KBK (Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput) region is mandatory for at least three years.

The policy also discourages external recommendations for transfers and requires that all requests be reviewed by a committee.

Officers must also gain field experience in their first six years.

The policy is effective immediately and replaces all previous transfer guidelines for OAS and ORS officers.