Understanding the IA&AD Mutual Transfer Process
Mutual transfers within the IA&AD are governed by specific guidelines to ensure smooth transitions and clear expectations for both the employee and the organization. These transfers allow employees at the same cadre level to swap positions across different offices, but they involve certain conditions related to rank, career progression, and service obligations.
1. Key Undertakings Required for Mutual Transfer
A. Agreement on Reversion to Lower Post
- An employee requesting a mutual transfer may need to revert to a lower post if the circumstances demand it. For example, if a Sr. Auditor is transferred to a new office where only an Auditor position is available, they must accept reversion to this role.
- Additionally, the transferred employee will not receive pay fixation benefits under FR 22(1)(a)(i) upon promotion in the future. This means any reversion due to mutual transfer may have a financial impact at the time of subsequent promotions.
B. Commitment Against Resignation Post-Transfer
- The employee must certify that they haven’t passed any other competitive exams, such as those conducted by SSC, UPSC, or similar agencies, which could lead to other employment opportunities.
- They must also agree not to resign within one year of joining the new office. If they choose to resign within this period, the mutual transfer will be considered null and void. This commitment prevents frequent job shifts, ensuring stability and accountability in the department.
2. Terms and Conditions of Mutual Transfer
A. Non-Public Interest Transfer
- Mutual transfers are classified as non-public interest, meaning the move primarily benefits the employees rather than the department. As a result:
- No joining time or travel allowances (T.A.) will be granted.
- Any time spent in transit will be treated according to specific guidelines under CCS (Joining Time) Rules, as outlined in the FRSR Part-I.
B. Junior Position in Cadre
- The transferred employee will assume the junior-most rank in the Auditor cadre upon joining the new office, irrespective of their previous rank or seniority.
- Seniority in the new office will be based on this junior status, affecting confirmation, future promotions, and other career progressions.
C. Eligibility for Promotion
- Promotions in the new office will require the employee to complete the minimum length of service in that office, regardless of service duration in the previous office.
- This ensures that promotion eligibility aligns with the new office’s standards and prevents any preferential treatment based on prior service elsewhere.
D. Transfers During Probationary Period
- Mutual transfers are permitted during probation. However:
- The employee must complete all requisite departmental examinations in the new office.
- Any exam attempts or exemptions acquired in the previous office will carry over to the new office, maintaining the continuity of the probation process.
E. SAS Examination Eligibility
- According to IA&AD guidelines, employees must complete a minimum of three years of continuous service and successfully finish their probation to be eligible for the Subordinate Audit/Accountant Service (SAS) exam. This rule ensures that employees are sufficiently experienced before taking on advanced responsibilities.
F. Retention of Lien by Parent Department
- If the employee is a permanent staff member, the parent department retains their lien until the employee is confirmed in the new office. This means that until formal confirmation, the original department holds a position for the employee should they need to return.
G. Language Proficiency Requirement
- The employee must pass a test in the Regional Language of the State within two years of joining the new office, provided they haven’t already passed a matriculation-level exam in that language. This helps them better integrate and operate within the local environment of their new assignment.
H. Irreversible Transfer
- Once a mutual transfer is granted, the employee is not eligible for future mutual transfers and cannot request a return to their original office. This one-time policy encourages employees to carefully consider their decision before applying.
I. Flexibility of Posting within New Office
- The department reserves the right to post the employee to any branch within the new office, whether currently in operation or to be established in the future.
- The employee may also be assigned to any sister office within the department, providing the organization with flexibility in staffing.
3. Bio-Data Information Needed for Mutual Transfer Application
For a mutual transfer application to be processed, the employee must provide a detailed bio-data sheet with the following information:
- Personal and Employment Details
- Name of the employee.
- Current Designation (e.g., Auditor, Sr. Auditor, AAO).
- Date of Birth and Date of Appointment in the current role.
- Date of Confirmation in Entry Grade and Date of Joining Government Service.
- Educational and Professional Qualifications
- Academic Qualifications relevant to the job.
- Departmental Examinations Qualified, such as SAS or any other exams passed for career advancement.
- Date of Promotion as AAO, if applicable, along with the Year of Passing SOGE/SAS exams.
- Category Information
- Specify if they belong to any reserved category, such as SC/ST/OBC.
- Indicate if they have any Disabilities (OH/PH/HH).
- Residential Details
- Provide the Permanent Residential Address for official records and communication.
This bio-data, countersigned by a Sr. Audit Officer (Administration), must accompany the mutual transfer application. The department reviews these details to assess eligibility and maintain accurate employee records.
Conclusion
Mutual transfer in IA&AD is a structured process designed to ensure clarity and accountability. While it provides employees the flexibility to transfer based on mutual agreement, it comes with certain limitations on career progression, seniority, and re-transfer rights. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for any employee considering a mutual transfer, as it helps set realistic expectations and ensures a smooth transition within the department.
government websites
1 https://cag.gov.in/uploads/media/Mutual-transfer-20200628101924.pdf
