Karnataka caps tenure for health officials amid staffing crisis

Bengaluru: To address staffing shortages at government hospitals, the Karnataka Government has implemented a new regulation limiting the tenure of health department officials within the Greater Bengaluru Area (GBA). The rule places strict limits on how long officials can hold administrative positions within a region that has historically seen a concentration of senior staff.

This regulation follows the passage of the Karnataka Civil Services (Regulation of Transfer of Medical Officers and Other Staff) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and is detailed in a government order (GO) issued on Friday.

Also Read: Karnataka Health department orders recall of doctors, staff on deputation

According to the new regulations, the maximum tenure for officers has been set based on their group: Group A officers can serve up to three years, Group B up to four years, Group C up to five years, and Group D up to seven years.

“Upon completion of five-year tenure, such officers will be transferred in the ensuing general transfers, either to administrative positions outside the GBA or to other posts, as deemed appropriate by the government,” stated the GO, reports the Hindu.

The government has made it clear that deputations will only be permitted against sanctioned posts of equivalent rank, and employees will not be allowed to occupy higher cadre positions or take on duties unrelated to their official designation.

Also Read: Karnataka Plans Organ Transplant Centres in 22 Medical Colleges

As per the news reports by the TNIE, Deputation periods will now be aligned with the state’s annual general transfer cycle. Staff whose deputation ends must report back to the Health Department; if not relieved by their superior, they will be considered “self-relieved” and must return on their own.

The order also introduces stringent measures to eliminate conflicts of interest, especially concerning private medical practice. Officers holding administrative positions will now be strictly barred from engaging in any form of private practice.

Violation of this rule will be treated as misconduct and will trigger disciplinary action under the Karnataka Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1957. Immediate removal from the administrative post may also follow.

Furthermore, medical specialists posted in administrative roles will be required to render specialist services for at least six hours per week in government district or taluk hospitals, or any other institution within their jurisdiction, in addition to their administrative duties, as authorized by their controlling officer.