Revised Rotational Transfer Policy (RTP) for CSS Officers: Key Provisions Explained
Revised Rotational Transfer Policy (RTP) for CSS Officers: Key Provisions Explained
The Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) has laid down detailed provisions under the Rotational Transfer Policy (RTP) for officers of the Central Secretariat Service (CSS). The policy aims to ensure balanced manpower distribution, transparency in transfers, and career exposure across Ministries and Departments of the Government of India.
All India Service Liability
CSS officers carry an All India Service Liability, meaning they may be transferred and posted to different Ministries, Departments, and cadre units as per administrative requirements and RTP guidelines.
This provision ensures:
Wider administrative exposure for officers
Balanced staffing across Ministries
Enhanced governance efficiency
Better career progression opportunities
Transfer on Request
Under Para 11 of the RTP:
CSS officers who complete at least half of the prescribed tenure in a grade may apply for transfer on personal grounds.
The request must be submitted through e-HRMS with proper justification.
Transfer requests are considered during the next rotational transfer cycle.
Such requests are subject to:
Important Condition
An officer can make such a request only once in a particular grade.
Special Consideration for PwBD Officers
The policy gives special importance to:
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
Caregivers of Divyangjan
As per guidelines of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD):
Transfer and posting requests from such officers shall receive due consideration.
Efforts will be made to accommodate their preferred postings as far as possible.
This provision recognises the practical and personal challenges faced by differently-abled officers and caregivers.
Cut-off Date and Transfer Schedule
Crucial Date for Residency Calculation
The residency period for determining eligibility under RTP shall be calculated based on:
The date on which the transfer process is initiated, or
Any other date approved by the competent authority.
Frequency of Transfers
Transfers under RTP are generally conducted:
Twice in every calendar year
Separately for each grade
Except in cases involving promotion
This ensures periodic opportunities for rotation and cadre balancing.
Non-Compliance of Transfer Orders
DoPT has clarified strict rules regarding compliance with transfer orders.
Duty to Relieve Officers
Under Rule 19 of CSS Rules, 2009:
DoPT is the competent authority for inter-cadre transfers.
Ministries/Departments must relieve officers within:
The date mentioned in the order, or
Maximum 45 days from issuance of the transfer order.
Deemed Relieving Provision
If an officer is not relieved within 45 days:
The officer shall be treated as deemed relieved automatically.
Automatic Transfer of Digital Records
After deemed relieving:
eHRMS records
SPARROW ID
Other service records
will automatically shift to the new Ministry/Department.
Salary Restriction
Once deemed relieved:
The previous Ministry/Department cannot pay salary or allowances to the officer beyond the relieving date.
This provision is intended to prevent unnecessary delays in implementing transfer orders.
Interpretation and Relaxation
Any:
Clarification
Interpretation
Relaxation
related to the RTP shall be decided by the Competent Authority in DoPT.
Annexure-I: Group-wise Ministries and Departments
The RTP classifies Ministries/Departments into four functional groups.
Group ‘A’ – Rural Development & Social Sector
Includes Ministries such as:
Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Health & Family Welfare
Education
Rural Development
Women & Child Development
Social Justice & Empowerment
Tribal Affairs
Youth Affairs
AYUSH
Fisheries
Panchayati Raj
Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
Minority Affair
Group ‘B’ – Economy, Finance & Industries
Includes:
Commerce
Corporate Affairs
Economic Affairs
Expenditure
Financial Services
Revenue
Labour & Employment
MSME
Steel
Textiles
Tourism
DPIIT
Pharmaceuticals
Public Enterprises
Group ‘C’ – Infrastructure, Resources & Technology
Includes:
Civil Aviation
Coal
Environment & Forest
Housing & Urban Affairs
Petroleum & Natural Gas
Posts
Power
Telecommunications
Road Transport & Highways
Science & Technology
Shipping
Renewable Energy
Group ‘D’ – Governance & Security
Includes:
Cabinet Secretariat
Central Vigilance Commission
Central Bureau of Investigation
Defence
Home Affairs
Prime Minister’s Office
Personnel & Training
UPSC
SSC
Justice
Legal Affairs
National Disaster Management Authority
NITI Aayog
Major Highlights of the RTP
Officers can seek transfer after completing half tenure.
PwBD officers receive special consideration.
Transfers are generally conducted twice a year.
Deemed relieving applies after 45 days.
Salary stops from previous department after deemed relieving.
Ministries are categorised into four functional groups for rotational postings.
The revised policy is expected to improve transparency, streamline rotational postings, and ensure timely implementation of transfer orders across the Central Secretariat Service.