The Ministry of Education has introduced a comprehensive transfer policy for government secondary school teachers, aiming to streamline the process and ensure equitable distribution of teaching staff.
The policy, which was detailed in a notice released by the Department of Secondary and Higher Education on Thursday, stipulates that transfers of secondary school teachers must take place only online. Every year in October, transfer applications will be accepted; however, direct applications may be accepted in certain circumstances for good cause.
Under the new guidelines, teachers stationed in plains regions may be required to serve in hilly areas, remote grasslands, or Hawar areas for a minimum period of one year. This provision aims to foster educational equity and administrative discipline across secondary schools.
The notification underscores the necessity of modernising existing circulars and office orders pertaining to teacher transfers, emphasising the policy's role in promoting a conducive educational environment and administrative efficiency.
The policy is applicable to all secondary government teachers, and transfers are contingent upon the government's decision to act in the public interest.
Transfers are permitted only during the month of October each academic year, except in exceptional circumstances where applications may be made directly to the Senior Secretary or Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Department.
Key considerations for transfer applications include completion of three years' service at the current workplace, subject-specific vacancies, and preference given to the applicant's district or adjacent districts. Teachers in metropolises and district headquarters who have served for over six consecutive years in the same institution may be eligible for transfer to their own district or a neighbouring district.
Moreover, teachers transferred from plains schools to hilly or remote areas must fulfil a minimum one-year service requirement before applying for transfer elsewhere.
The policy aims to ensure transparency, fairness, and efficiency in the transfer process while addressing the evolving needs of the education sector.