New Transfer Policy for Bengaluru Sub-Registrars

Karnataka cabinet has mandated the transfer of sub-registrars exclusively through counselling, effective The immediately. This strategic move aims to address long-standing issues related to officers serving extended tenures in sub-registrar offices, particularly in Bengaluru, which significantly contributes to the state’s revenue.

The newly introduced counselling system targets officers who have served five years in the past eight within the Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) jurisdiction, and those with four years of service in the past five years within the city corporation limits outside the BMRDA in taluks. First Division Assistants (FDAs) who have worked in the same location for over five years will also be impacted. The counselling process is scheduled to conclude by August 10, 2024, with a relaxation of the transfer guidelines issued on June 25, 2024. Karnataka hosts 257 sub-registrar offices, with 51 falling under the BMRDA jurisdiction, encompassing Bengaluru City, Bengaluru Rural, and Ramanagara districts.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil, while briefing the press post-cabinet meeting, elucidated the rationale behind this decision. He emphasised that the objective is to foster transparency and maintain administrative efficiency by curbing lobbying for transfers. Many officers have been reluctant to relocate, preferring to remain in the same jurisdiction for prolonged periods. In addition to the transfer policy, the cabinet approved a reduction in the minimum qualifying service for promotion to the cadre of Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) from five years to three years, applicable for a one-time basis. This decision comes in response to the numerous vacant DCF posts within the department.

The cabinet sanctioned the appointment of the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC) as the nodal agency for sanctioning and implementing projects under the Comprehensive Environmental Planning in the Mining Impact Zone (CEPMIZ). These projects will be managed by the Karnataka Mines Environmental Rehabilitation Corporation (KMERC), with an empowered committee constituted for their implementation. These decisions underscore the Karnataka government’s commitment to improving governance and operational efficiency across various sectors. The new transfer policy is expected to mitigate the concentration of officers in lucrative postings and ensure a more equitable distribution of human resources across the state. By fostering a transparent and accountable system, the government aims to enhance public trust and optimise administrative performance.