NPS teachers seek multiple inter-district mutual transfers

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Govt High School NPS Teachers’ Association has urged the state to allow multiple inter-district mutual transfers for secondary TGT teachers, claiming the existing one-time provision is causing hardship and mental stress among educators.In a memorandum submitted to chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and school and mass education minister Nityananda Gond on Wednesday, the association members demanded inclusion of a provision permitting a second inter-district mutual transfer for TGT teachers in 2026-27 transfer guidelines.They said that while employees belonging to other state cadres are allowed to avail inter-district mutual transfers multiple times during their service period, the TGT teachers of PCM, CBZ and arts streams under the school and mass education department are restricted to only one transfer throughout their careers.The association members said the restriction has created difficulties for many teachers posted far from their home districts, particularly those who need to look after elderly and ailing parents.“Many teachers who were transferred last year are still unable to return to their home districts. This has created emotional and mental stress among them,” association president Pradeepta Kumar Pradhan said.The teachers’ body also argued that allowing mutual transfers would neither create surplus staff nor lead to vacancies in any district or school as the transfers are based on mutual exchange between two teachers.Pradhan said the demand is aimed at ensuring the welfare of teachers while maintaining administrative balance in schools.