AIGETOA writes the Director (HR), expressing serious concern regarding opening of OTP window from 01.01.2026 to 15.01.2026 without necessary preparedness with request for inclusion of all shortcomings before opening of Jan OTP window.
AIGETOA has clearly conveyed that opening the OTP window in the present state will lead to confusion, dissatisfaction, and large-scale grievances among executives, defeating the very purpose of a transparent and fair transfer mechanism.
In this regard, the following critical issues need immediate attention:
1] Non-display of pending OTP waiting list:
The OTP portal does not display the waiting list of executives whose OTP requests are pending from previous cycles. In the absence of this information, executives are unable to assess their realistic chances and plan their options in an informed manner.
2] Non-display of Longest stay list in the circle :
The OTP portal does not display the Seniority list of executives who are having longest stay in the circle and probable to get the transfers. In the absence of this information, executives are unable to decide on applying the transfer in the coming OTP and accordingly arrangement to their family needs.
3] Non-availability of circle-wise deficit details:
At present, the portal does not reflect circles having category of “Deficit”, “Just Sufficient” and “Surplus Strength”. The absence of a clear display of circles strength, the very purpose of OTP is getting defeat, executives are required to exercise options without knowing where genuine vacancies exist. This makes the choice process arbitrary and unrealistic.
4] Non-finalisation of the Proposed Revised Transfer Policy:
The new transfer policy is yet to be finalised. Without clarity on crucial aspects such as Long stay provisions, Hard tenure stations, Choice posting norms and other related provisions, executives are left guessing while exercising OTP options. This undermines confidence in the process and exposes executives to unintended consequences.
5] Improper handling of Hard Tenure transfer cases
Hard Tenure transfer requests submitted through the Online Transfer Portal are presently being clubbed with routine modification and retention requests. This practice defeats the very purpose of Hard Tenure classification, which is meant to provide time-bound relief to executives serving in difficult and remote areas.
Executives have unanimously demanded that Hard Tenure cases be processed separately and orders issued on priority, in-line with Government of India guidelines. Despite repeated communications, there appears to be inadequate seriousness at the Corporate Office toward the hardship faced by executives posted in Hard Tenure stations.
The situation has further worsened after enhancement of tenure from two years to two and a half years, yet transfer orders for eligible executives continue to remain pending. While an earlier list purportedly covered executives completing tenure up to 31st March 2025, it selectively included names of officers completing tenure as late as July 2025, leaving many earlier eligible executives unattended.
Moreover, although the July–September OTP window was never opened, Hard Tenure applications forwarded through proper channel by the Circle Office have also remained unaddressed. These delays are causing mental stress, demotivation, and growing dissatisfaction among officers serving in such difficult locations.
6] Need for transparency and adherence to standard HR practices:
The transfer and posting process must be aligned with established HR principles of fairness, equity, and transparency. This includes ensuring that all executives have equal access to information, that decisions are based on objective criteria, and that the system is free from ambiguity or discretionary interpretation. A transparent and policy-driven approach will not only strengthen trust among executives but also enhance organisational credibility.
7] Addressing the issues related to Transfer of executives between territorial and non-territorial circles within the geographical boundaries of a circle particularly for circle based cadres.
Further, proceeding with the OTP exercise without addressing the above deficiencies will inevitably result in post-OTP chaos, multiple representations, grievances, litigation risks, and operational disruptions, creating avoidable administrative burden for both executives and management.
Demand Before Opening OTP Window:
AIGETOA, therefore, strongly urges the management to include the shortcomings raised above before the opening of the OTP window in Jan 2026, ensuring:
1] Vacancy and Deficit Transparency – Real-time display of circle-wise and SSA-wise deficit and surplus positions.
2] Pending Request Visibility – Display of complete waiting lists from previous OTP cycles indicating the seniority and priority order.
3] Finalization & Notification of Transfer Policy – Finalisation and notification of the revised transfer policy before OTP window.
4] Separate and Priority Processing of Hard Tenure Cases – Hard Tenure transfers to be processed independently of routine OTP requests, Time-bound issuance of transfer orders for eligible executives, Strict adherence to tenure completion criteria without selective inclusion.
5] Fairness and Safeguards – No arbitrary overrides, with exceptions only through proper justification, Priority consideration for medical, spouse, and compassionate cases.
6] Implementation of Defined Timelines – Fixed timelines should be ensured for annual OTP window Processing and issuance of orders within stipulated period after OTP closure.