To tighten administrative efficiency, the Government of Sikkim’s Department of Personnel has issued a new directive mandating strict adherence to employee- transfer orders. The order, released on Monday, 30 June, outlines specific timelines for employees to report to their new posts and warns of disciplinary action in case they fail to comply.
Under the revised rules, heads of departments will be directly accountable for ensuring that employees are relieved from their current postings without delay. For transfers within the same station, employees are required to join their new positions immediately. In cases where transfers involve a change in station, employees must report to their new location within six days, excluding Sundays and official holidays.
The guidelines have been revised when a recent review revealed delays in implementing transfer orders. Some employees were found to be continuing at their previous locations well beyond the stipulated time. In certain instances, department heads reportedly tried to retain transferred staff, defying official orders and disrupting administrative workflow.
To enforce compliance, the government has warned that disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against department heads who fail to implement transfers on time. Additionally, employees who ignore their transfer directives will be moved to the Directorate of Coordination under the Home Department.
The circular emphasises the government’s intention to ensure administrative discipline and also see to it that governance functions are not hampered by delayed or resisted transfers. By holding both employees and department heads accountable, it is hoped that functioning will be streamlined across departments and the bureaucracy will become more responsive.
