TNI Bureau: The Odisha Police Headquarters has issued fresh instructions to streamline the annual transfer process of police personnel, reinforcing existing norms while laying down a clear, time-bound roadmap for 2026.

According to the circular, all transfers are to be carried out within the standard window of April 15 to June 15, in line with state government guidelines.

The order emphasizes that no government servant should remain in a single district for more than six years, while transfers are generally due after three years at one place of posting.

The directive reiterates specific tenure rules across ranks. Constables and havildars are not to be posted in a single police station for more than three years, while sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors also have a three-year tenure norm. In marine police stations, however, constables and havildars may serve up to seven years.

To ensure accountability, Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) have been asked to conduct a detailed review of personnel who have completed their tenure and initiate transfers either within or outside their districts.

A structured timeline has been prescribed for the process. District Transfer Boards are to be convened by April 20, while proposals for inter-district transfers must be sent to Range Offices by April 25.

Range-level boards are expected to conclude deliberations by April 30. Cases requiring consideration at the state level must be forwarded to Police Headquarters by May 10.

The circular directs all district and establishment heads to follow the instructions strictly without deviation, underscoring the need for uniformity and discipline in postings. The order has been issued with the approval of the Director General of Police.

The move is seen as an effort to enhance transparency, ensure periodic rotation, and curb localised influence in policing by enforcing long-standing transfer norms more rigorously.