Kerala to implement fixed-term transfers for higher secondary principals

Thiruvananthapuram: Higher secondary school principals in Kerala will now be subject to a mandatory transfer every three years, similar to the system already in place for teachers. Draft norms for the general transfer of principals have been released, while updated guidelines for teachers have also been prepared, including clearer provisions on home-station weightage.

Under the proposal, the post of any principal who completes three consecutive years of service in a district as of May 31 each year will be declared an open vacancy for transfer. Principals with at least one year of regular service will be eligible to apply. However, the one-year service requirement will not apply to candidates under the compassionate appointment category.

The length of service and outstation service will be calculated from the date a principal assumes charge. If a principal completes the three-year term and no other applicant opts for that school, they may continue in the post. The draft guidelines also state that the government retains the authority to transfer principals for administrative reasons.

Home-station and outstation weightage revised

Transfer disputes related to outstation weightage for higher secondary teachers had previously reached the courts, leading to the Administrative Tribunal cancelling the government’s list. The new criteria are aimed at preventing such ambiguity.

Outstation distance weightage has now been reorganised into four slabs — 100 km, 200 km, 300 km and 400 km — replacing the earlier two-slab system of 200 km and 400 km. Weightage will now be calculated on the distance between the local body where the applicant resides and the local body of the school where they are currently employed, rather than between two schools. Home-station weightage will apply for a maximum of five years.

Outstation weightage will be applicable only to home-station transfer, while seniority in service will continue to be the main criterion for district-level transfer. The earlier rule, requiring three years of combined service in junior or senior posts to apply for transfer, has been revised to mandate three years specifically in either the junior or the senior post.