Punjab National Bank (PNB) has introduced a revised transfer policy for officers, aligning with the Finance Ministry’s advisory issued in November 2024. This policy aims to bring transparency, uniformity, and fairness to officer transfers across public sector banks. The new guidelines ensure a structured approach to postings while considering employee preferences, tenure limits, regional factors, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Key Highlights of PNB’s Transfer Policy
- Automated and Transparent Transfer Process
PNB is implementing an online system to manage officer transfers, eliminating manual interventions and reducing bias. This system will automate the entire transfer process, allowing officers to indicate their preferred locations and ensuring fairness in postings. - Tenure-Based Transfer Guidelines
To prevent stagnation and ensure operational efficiency, PNB has introduced specific tenure limits for officers:- Maximum of 3 years at a single branch
- Up to 6 years within the same circle
- Up to 9 years within the same zone
- After 9 years, officers are expected to transfer outside their current state to ensure better workforce distribution and professional growth
- Support for Women Employees
Recognizing the need for work-life balance, the policy prioritizes female officers for postings near their preferred locations. This measure aims to reduce the stress of frequent relocations and provide a supportive work environment. - Structured Grievance Redressal Mechanism
PNB will establish a dedicated grievance redressal system to handle concerns related to transfers. Officers can submit appeals for review, and genuine hardship cases will be considered to ensure fair and timely resolutions. - Regional and Linguistic Considerations
To enhance customer service efficiency, officers up to Scale-III will be preferably posted within their linguistic regions, ensuring better communication with customers. However, such accommodations will be subject to vacancy availability and administrative needs. - Timely and Systematic Transfers
- Regular transfers will be completed before June each year, allowing officers to plan relocations in advance.
- Mid-year transfers will be minimized and will only occur in cases of promotions, disciplinary actions, or urgent administrative requirements.
- Posting in Difficult Areas
Some locations will be classified as “Difficult Areas” due to factors like harsh climate, limited infrastructure, or security concerns. Officers serving in these areas will receive priority for transfers upon completing their designated tenure.
DFS: New Transfer Policy for Public Sector Bank Employees
- 1. Rotational transfers should be based on seniority.
- 2. Online platform will be developed for the transfer process, allowing employees to choose location preferences.
- 3. Officers up to Scale-III should be accommodated in their respective linguistic regions.
- 4. Additional grounds for transfer should be included – such as marriage, spouse, medical needs, maternity, child care, and distant postings.
- 5. Efforts should be made to post employees in the same or nearby regions if their spouse works in Central or State Governments.
- 6. Women employees should be transferred to nearby locations.
- 7. Employees can appeal against unfair transfer. A grievance committee should be formed and appeals should be resolved within 15 days. Appeals should be dealt with kindly and committee should try to resolve the issue and proper reason should be given in writing.
- 8. Transfer protection may not be given to office bearers of unions on promotion.
Click here to read DFS guidelines: New Transfer Policy by Government for PSU Banks
Conclusion
The new transfer policy aims to create a balanced and transparent system, reducing favoritism and ensuring fair opportunities for all officers. By leveraging technology, setting clear guidelines, and considering employee preferences, PNB seeks to foster a more efficient and employee-friendly work environment. Officers are encouraged to stay updated with official notifications on PNB’s internal portal for further details on transfer procedures.
