Thiruvananthapuram: To ensure efficient delivery of government services in Kasaragod, Idukki and Wayanad districts, the government has introduced new conditions for recruitment and transfers of government employees. Candidates who choose these districts and appear for PSC examinations for district-level appointments will not be permitted transfers, working arrangements, deputation or mutual transfers for a minimum period of 10 years. This condition will be clearly mentioned in the PSC notification itself.

It has also been proposed that promotions may be restricted to these districts alone. Authorities have directed that written consent be obtained from candidates during the training period. The move is expected to create more opportunities for local candidates and prevent employees from securing appointments in these districts through PSC exams and later seeking transfers to other districts.

The decision was taken after it was found that there is a shortage of staff required to implement special development packages for Kasaragod, Idukki and Wayanad. The conditions are being introduced with Cabinet approval, based on earlier discussions held by the Chief Secretary with employees’ organisations.

Headquarters postings for local candidates in these districts will be granted only on the basis of written consent from those concerned. To curb the practice of employees frequently taking leave after being posted to these districts through promotion or transfer, it has been decided that leave should be granted only in unavoidable medical circumstances.

Additional consideration

As part of general transfer norms, one year of service rendered in these districts will be treated as equivalent to two years of service in other districts. Employees who take long leave will be required to compensate by serving those additional days in these districts. The Administrative Reforms Department order also stipulates that those appointed for compulsory service in these districts should be given priority for transfer to districts of their choice at a later stage.