Bengaluru: In a major administrative shake-up aimed at addressing staffing shortages in government hospitals, the Karnataka Government has restricted the tenure of health department officials posted within the Greater Bengaluru Area (GBA).
The move comes after the passage of the Karnataka Civil Services (Regulation of Transfer of Medical Officers and Other Staff) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and is outlined in a Government Order (GO) issued on Friday.
Tenure Limits by Cadre
Under the new rules, officials can serve only for a fixed period in Bengaluru before being compulsorily transferred:
- Group A officers: up to 3 years
- Group B officers: up to 4 years
- Group C officers: up to 5 years
- Group D officers: up to 7 years
“Upon completion of their tenure, officers will be transferred in the general transfer cycle, either to administrative positions outside Bengaluru or to other posts as deemed appropriate,” the GO stated (as reported by The Hindu).
Deputation Rules Tightened
- Deputations will only be allowed against sanctioned posts of the same rank.
- No officer will be permitted to occupy a higher cadre position or perform duties outside their official designation.
- Deputation periods will be aligned with the annual transfer cycle, and staff not relieved by superiors will be treated as “self-relieved” and must return on their own.
Ban on Private Practice & Misconduct Clause
In a bid to eliminate conflicts of interest:
- Officers in administrative roles are strictly barred from private medical practice.
- Any violation will be treated as misconduct, inviting disciplinary action under the Karnataka Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1957.
- Officials may also face immediate removal from their administrative posts.
Mandatory Specialist Service
The order also mandates that medical specialists holding administrative posts must provide at least six hours of specialist services per week at government district or taluk hospitals (or another assigned institution), in addition to their administrative work.
Background
The regulation comes against the backdrop of uneven staff distribution, with senior officials concentrated in Bengaluru while district and taluk hospitals struggle with shortages. The government hopes the reform will improve staffing balance, accountability, and service delivery across the state.
