Police Headquarters has initiated a move to process and dispose of all transfer applications for police personnel and officers online through their unit chiefs in a bid to curb overwhelming lobbying.
The initiative is set to close the scope for direct submissions, ensuring that all transfer matters are settled strictly through official channels in accordance with established rules.
Under the upcoming mechanism, no police personnel will be eligible to apply for a transfer before completing a mandatory minimum tenure of two years at their current posting.
In special circumstances, however, direct applications to headquarters will be considered if supported by valid documentary evidence justifying a posting to a preferred location.
Alongside this, headquarters began issuing official identity cards last week to personnel retiring from any rank, from constable to senior officer, ensuring they receive their cards immediately upon going on retirement.
Several officers holding the rank of deputy inspector general (DIG) and assistant inspector general (AIG) at Police Headquarters confirmed the development to TIMES on Sunday on condition of anonymity.
Mounting lobbying pressure
Under existing service regulations, the inspector general of police (IGP) handles the transfers and postings of officers holding the rank of assistant superintendent of police (ASP) and above.
The additional inspector general of police (administration) oversees officers of the rank of inspector, while the deputy inspector general (administration) manages sub-inspectors (SI).
Moreover, the personnel management-2 and 3 wings, supervised by officers of the rank of additional deputy inspector general and assistant inspector general, administer postings and transfers for assistant sub-inspectors (ASI) and constables.
Multiple officials noted that although service rules require personnel to route their transfer pleas through unit chiefs, a large majority bypass the system and submit their applications directly.
Allegations have also emerged that many unit offices fail to forward transfer applications submitted to them.
Consequently, headquarters is inundated on a daily basis with mounting lobbying for transfers as well as the cancellation of transfer orders.
Ministers, members of parliament (MPs), political party leaders, and diverse individuals regularly exert pressure to secure transfers for a variety of reasons.
To cope with this immense lobbying pressure, headquarters has undertaken the move to bring the entire application and disposal process online.
Digital tracking from November
Officials explained that police service rules require members and officers of any rank to serve at least two years at a single workplace.
Under the digital application process, personnel will be barred from logging into the portal to seek a transfer elsewhere before completing this stipulated two-year period.
Once the tenure ends, the department concerned will transfer them routinely. In the event that this does not occur, the member will be able to log in using their personal ID and submit an application online.
Headquarters will directly oversee the progress of each online application to ensure that files do not remain held up at any office and are settled without delay, in a process similar to the digital police verification mechanism used for passport applications.
The administrative branch of police has already commenced preparations for the system, and full operations are scheduled to launch in November.
Nevertheless, in exceptional situations where an individual requires a transfer to a preferred location due to special necessities, direct submissions to headquarters will be accepted alongside proper supporting documentation.
Identity cards for retirees
Meanwhile, headquarters recently began distributing identity cards to retiring personnel across all ranks to resolve significant hurdles faced after leaving the force.
Previously, retired police members and officers held no formal identity cards, leaving them in difficulty when seeking ration benefits, medical treatment at police hospitals, and other welfare services.
Under the new arrangement, the identity card will display the final rank held by the officer or member at the time of retirement, followed by the word “retired.”
Personnel and officers who retired in the past will also be eligible to receive these identity cards upon submitting an application.
