Enhancement of Rule-38 transfer opportunities from 2 to 4 during the entire service tenure

Enhancement of Rule-38 transfer opportunities from 2 to 4 during the entire service tenure-reg.

F. No. X-12/6/2021-SPN-II-DOP

Government of India

Ministry of Communications

Department of Posts

(Personnel Division)

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi - 110001.

Dated: 13-04-2026

Subject: Enhancement of Rule-38 transfer opportunities from 2 to 4 during the entire service tenure – reg.

Sir/Madam,

I am directed to refer to a letter No. BPEF/Rule-38 Transfer/2026 dated 06.04.2026 received from Bharatiya Postal Employees Federation regarding enhancement of Rule-38 transfer opportunities from the existing limit of two to four during the entire service tenure.

The Federation has represented that the current limit of two transfers is inadequate in the present service environment, considering various personal and social constraints faced by employees such as spousal employment, medical and caregiving responsibilities, children’s education, and prolonged postings in remote/nearby areas. It has been requested that greater flexibility in transfers may be allowed to improve employee morale, productivity, and work-life balance.

At present, Rule-38 transfer provisions prescribe a maximum of two Intra Circle and two Inter Circle transfer opportunities during the entire service, primarily to ensure administrative stability, balanced distribution of manpower across Circles, and to avoid frequent disruptions in service delivery.

In this regard, all Circles are requested to furnish their considered views on the following aspects to the Directorate within 15 days of receipt of this letter:

i. (Administrative feasibility of increasing the number of permissible Rule-38 transfers).

ii. Likely impact on manpower distribution and vacancy management.

iii. Any other relevant issues/constraints, along with specific suggestions, if any.

This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.

Digitally signed by

Yours sincerely,

Vinod Kumar

Date: 13-04-2026

15:34:21

(Vinod Kumar)

Assistant Director General (SPN)

Encl.: As above.