Shimla, April 7: The Himachal Pradesh government has imposed a complete ban on the transfer of officers and officials across departments in view of ongoing election-related activities in the state.
According to an official order issued by the Department of Personnel, the decision has been taken to ensure the smooth, fair, and timely conduct of elections. The government noted that a large number of officials are currently engaged in election duties, requiring uninterrupted deployment and supervision at the field level.
The order applies to officers associated directly or indirectly with Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies elections. Authorities warned that any disturbance in deployment due to transfers could adversely impact the election process.
However, in exceptional cases where transfers are unavoidable, prior approval from the State Election Commission will be mandatory. Departments must also certify that the concerned official is not on election duty or that the transfer is justified due to genuine reasons such as serious health issues, disciplinary proceedings, or court orders.
The government has made it clear that transfer orders without explicit approval from the State Election Commission will not be implemented. Officials in such cases will not be relieved from their current postings.
Strict compliance has been directed, with a warning that any violation of these instructions will be viewed seriously and may attract accountability on the part of the concerned Head of Office.
The directive has been issued by Niraj Kumar, Secretary (Personnel) to the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
