Rajasthan Issues Fresh Guidelines on Awaiting Posting Orders

• Rajasthan issues new guidelines for placing officials under Awaiting Posting Orders (APO).
• APO restricted to genuine administrative necessity and public interest.
• Maximum APO period capped at 30 days, with approval required for any extension.
• Departments directed to ensure timely postings and quarterly reviews of pending APO cases.

GG News Bureau
JAIPUR, 2nd July: The Rajasthan Government has issued comprehensive guidelines regulating the use of Awaiting Posting Orders (APO) under Rule 25-A of the Rajasthan Service Rules, 1951, with an emphasis on transparency, administrative fairness and timely posting of government employees.

According to a circular issued by the Finance Department, APO will be permitted only in specified situations such as return from leave, deputation or training, relinquishment of charge while awaiting a new posting, non-acceptance of transfer, prevention of administrative reversion, or other cases involving genuine public interest. The government clarified that APO should not be used as a punitive measure or as a substitute for disciplinary proceedings.

The circular directs departments to issue advance posting orders wherever possible to minimise employees remaining under APO. It also states that transferred officials should not be prevented from assuming charge at their new posting.

Under the revised norms, the period of APO cannot exceed 30 days, and any extension beyond this limit will require prior approval from the Finance Department with proper justification. Administrative departments must also submit monthly reports on officials remaining under APO for over 30 days, while the Chief Secretary will conduct quarterly reviews of all pending cases.

The state government said the new guidelines are aimed at preventing unnecessary delays in postings, reducing financial burden on the exchequer and ensuring greater accountability in administrative decisions.