The Haryana government is preparing to roll out a revised teachers transfer policy after the Punjab and Haryana High Court allowed it to frame a fresh policy while addressing concerns raised by teachers. The proposed framework aims to make transfers more transparent and objective through a merit-based system, officials said.
Merit-Based Transfer System
Under the proposed framework, transfer priority will be determined through a 120-point merit system based on factors such as age, experience, service conditions, and special-category status. Teachers nearing retirement will receive additional weightage, while single-parent teachers will be granted 10 extra merit points. The policy also expands benefits for teachers with significant disabilities and revises provisions related to reserved and special categories.
Key Changes in the Policy
Several earlier provisions have been modified. Unmarried female teachers above 40 years of age will no longer receive additional merit points solely based on marital status, while benefits under certain categories will be restricted to regular employees. The government has also clarified definitions relating to organisations and institutions covered under special provisions.
Another key change relates to teachers nearing retirement. Under the earlier policy, teachers due to retire within 12 months were exempt from the transfer process. The revised framework extends this protection to those retiring within the next 18 months. Such teachers will be allowed to continue at their existing station even if they have completed the maximum prescribed tenure there.
Background of the Controversy
The move comes against the backdrop of controversy surrounding the state’s earlier transfer framework, which was linked to cadre changes. Traditionally, teachers remained within the cadre in which they were recruited. However, the reforms introduced this year had the provision of transfers that could result in movement across cadres, prompting objections from a large number of teachers, particularly junior basic training (JBT) teachers.
While officials argued that the measure would improve administrative efficiency and help balance staff distribution across schools, many teachers viewed it as a threat to their service conditions.
Teachers' Concerns and Court Intervention
A large number of teachers approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, arguing that cadre changes could adversely affect seniority, promotion prospects, and service benefits. Teachers feared losing their existing seniority, being placed below those already working in the new cadre, and facing uncertainty regarding future promotions. Concerns were also raised over transparency and the potential impact on service conditions.
Hearing a batch of petitions, a division bench of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor on May 25 refrained from either endorsing or striking down the existing cadre-change policy. Instead, the court directed the state to consider the concerns raised by teachers while formulating a revised policy.
The bench noted that a similar challenge to the transfer policy of teachers was already addressed earlier in May 2026, when the government was granted liberty to frame an appropriate policy. The present petitions were disposed of on the same basis.
Next Steps
The revised transfer policy is now expected to undergo further consultations before implementation. The government maintains that the changes will help create a more equitable and transparent transfer system while addressing concerns raised by teachers.
