Shimla, July 28
The Himachal Pradesh government has amended the Comprehensive Guiding Principles-2013 (CGP-2013) governing the transfer of state government employees, introducing stricter provisions for tenure in Difficult, Tribal, Hard and Most Difficult Areas.
According to an Office Memorandum issued by the Department of Personnel (Appointment-II) on July 25, 2026, the government has revised Paragraph 16.1 of the transfer policy to remove ambiguities and ensure uniform implementation across departments.
Under the amended provisions, the normal tenure in Difficult, Tribal, Hard and Most Difficult Areas will remain three years, comprising two winters and three summers. However, the government has made it clear that only employees who actually complete the prescribed tenure at the posting will be eligible for related benefits.
The revised guidelines also state that if an employee remains on long leave or is absent for any reason during the tenure, that period will be deducted from the qualifying service, and the employee will have to serve an equivalent period to complete the mandatory tenure.
In another significant change, the government has clarified that holding additional charge of a post in Difficult, Tribal, Hard or Most Difficult Areas will not be treated as qualifying service. Such periods will neither count towards completion of the prescribed tenure nor be considered for benefits, concessions, preferences or incentives available under the transfer policy.
The amended policy further states that, as far as possible, employees above 55 years of age should not be posted in Difficult, Tribal, Hard or Remote Areas. However, this restriction will not apply in cases of promotion.
The government has directed all departments and authorities to ensure strict compliance with the revised transfer policy with immediate effect.
