Sub-registrars seek changes to transfer rules

The Karnataka State Stamps and Registration Department Officials’ Association has submitted a seven-page objection to the draft Karnataka Civil Services (Counselling Based Transfers in Stamps and Registration Department) Rules, 2026, which seek to regulate transfers in the department through a digital counselling system.In a representation to the principal secretary, revenue department (stamps and registration), the association raised several concerns and proposed amendments aimed at ensuring fairness and administrative clarity.One of the key demands is exemption for office bearers of recognised govt employees’ associations from the strict application of transfer rules during their tenure, arguing that frequent transfers could hamper their organisational responsibilities.While welcoming the counselling-based transfer system as a measure to promote transparency and fairness, the association said certain provisions in the draft were ambiguous and could lead to administrative complications and possible legal disputes.The association has sought separate seniority lists for Senior Sub-Registrars and Sub-Registrars, stating that combining the two cadres in a common list could create confusion and adversely affect promotions and service rights. It has also called for correction of zone-wise office lists for First Division Assistants.The association further sought exemption from compulsory transfers for employees with less than one year of service remaining before retirement, citing family responsibilities, medical treatment, children’s education, care of elderly parents and retirement-related formalities.It also requested clarity on the eligibility of officers transferred out of Zone-A to return, suggesting that they should be allowed to seek posting back only after completing three years of continuous service outside the zone, subject to vacancies, seniority and counselling priority.Among other suggestions, the association said transfers in Zones B and C should not exceed 5% of the total sanctioned posts and urged the govt to amend the draft to ensure administrative fairness, cadre protection and smooth service delivery.“The draft rules need to be modified in the interest of justice, administrative fairness, cadre protection and smooth functioning of the department,” association president BH Shankare Gowda said.The state govt had issued the draft rules on April 27 to regulate transfers in the stamps and registration department through a digital counselling system aimed at curbing lobbying, bribery and undue influence in securing prime postings, particularly in high-value jurisdictions such as Bengaluru.