PANJIM: The Directorate of Education (DoE) has reminded teachers that they will be liable for transfer from one government school to other, following any complaint against them from the local MLA or panchyats in writing.

The DoE has republished its 2008 Transfer Policy for government teachers from pre-primary to higher secondary school level. The policy was framed by then director Celsa Pinto.

Under the policy, the teacher from any school is liable for transfer in “normal circumstances” after five years of service in the school, where he or she is currently posted.

The normal circumstances for transfer could be as teacher facing hardship on personal level teachers who have served more than 10 years in same remote place, presence of extra teachers in the district or on serious “disciplinary grounds” or “any other administrative reasons”.

Under hardship category, the teachers can be transferred if suffering from serious illness, life threatening disease like cancer, serious heart ailment, advanced stage of pregnancy, or above 55 years of age, persons with disability, etc.

What is interesting is that the complaint from a MLA of the area or by the panchayat or based on panchayat resolution; the teacher will be liable for transfer.

The report from ADEI of adverse nature or disciplinary inquiry of serious nature will also lead to transfer of the teacher from one school to another.

The policy also states that the transfer should be made at least two-three weeks prior to the commencement of the new Academic Year. However, in the unforeseen circumstances, the transfer can be done during any period of the year.

“The transfer policy supersedes all instructions/ guidelines issued in the past and shall take immediate effect,” the policy states.