Rules amended, separation now a valid ground to seek college transfer
Times of India | 19 September 2024
Kolkata: The state higher education department has amended the transfer rules to allow a woman employee in a state-aided college apply for transfer if she was facing a serious problem in attending college because of desertion, divorce or death of husband.
Amending the transfer policy under West Bengal Universities and Colleges (Administration and Regulation) Act, 2017, the department has made grounds under “hardship of the employee on special ground” to help “any such female employee who is facing serious problem in attending college because of desertion, divorce or death of husband.”
College principals, teachers and librarians can avail themselves of a transfer once in their service period.The notification states that if there are multiple applications seeking transfer against a single vacancy, female applicants with a child below 10 years of age will be awarded 5 marks while those with a child above 10 years will get 3 marks. In cases where there are multiple children, the age of the younger child will be considered.
Female teachers and principals have expressed mixed reactions to this move. While some appreciate it, others consider it discriminatory. A woman principal said: “I don’t think how many of us required such kind of special treatment but for me, it’s a patriarchal decision, judging women as a weaker section of society.” Another principal said: “The approach was positive but it might invite legal issues in future.”
Krishnakali Basu, the general secretary of the West Bengal College and University Professors’ Association, said: “The CM has introduced several schemes for empowering women. The latest move of introducing such grounds in the transfer rule will help women in trouble.” West Bengal College and University Teachers’ Association president Subhodoy Dasgupta said: “Granting these grounds is a positive step. But there are doubts about maintaining transparency.”
The transfer policy also includes certain grounds related to health issues. If an applicant or their son, daughter or spouse suffers from serious illness, s/he may be eligible for transfer.