AIBOBOU Challenges “Opaque and Arbitrary” Transfer Process in Bank of Baroda
Union Issues Strong Representation and Legal Notice Over IZT Cycle 2026–27
The All India Bank of Baroda Officers’ Union (AIBOBOU) has intensified its opposition to the ongoing Inter-Zonal Transfer (IZT) Cycle 2026–27, alleging serious violations of the Bank’s approved Transfer Policy, Department of Financial Services (DFS) guidelines, and principles of natural justice.
In a detailed representation addressed to the Managing Director & CEO of Bank of Baroda, the Union strongly objected to the HR Connect mechanism that allegedly compels officers to submit transfer preferences even before their exemption requests are considered.
“Exemption Cannot Be Converted Into a Formality”
According to AIBOBOU, the Transfer Policy clearly distinguishes between:
exemption from transfer on medical, compassionate, disability, or hardship grounds; and
submission of preferred posting choices after an officer is identified for transfer.
The Union argued that making preference submission mandatory at the initial stage effectively presumes that transfer is inevitable, thereby diluting the very purpose of exemption provisions.
The representation states that:
exemption clauses are protective safeguards;
transfer preference is only a secondary facilitative process;
HR Connect cannot override approved policy provisions.
The Union described the current process as “procedurally irregular” and “substantively unjust,” particularly for officers facing genuine medical and compassionate hardships.
Legal Notice Demands Immediate Halt to Transfer Exercise
In a parallel development, legal counsel representing AIBOBOU issued a formal cease-and-desist notice seeking immediate suspension of the IZT Cycle 2026–27.
The notice highlights that:
a writ petition concerning transfer policy irregularities is already pending before the Rajasthan High Court;
issues relating to transparency, legality, and arbitrary implementation are under judicial consideration;
continuation of the transfer exercise during pendency of proceedings could interfere with judicial scrutiny.
The legal notice further alleges:
non-disclosure of seniority and tenure data;
absence of verifiable and auditable transfer criteria;
“pick-and-choose” methodology;
introduction of extra-policy “willingness-based transfers.”
Concerns Over “Willingness-Based Transfers”
AIBOBOU has raised serious objections to what it terms as “willingness-based transfers,” alleging that:
the mechanism finds no place in the approved Transfer Policy;
officers are being compelled to choose from undisclosed deficit zones;
there is no transparency regarding vacancy positions or selection criteria;
the process may result in forced displacement without repatriation safeguards.
The Union termed the process an “extra-policy coercive device” that may amount to constructive penalization of officers.
Demand for Transparency and Humane Administration
The Union has demanded:
immediate withdrawal of mandatory preference submission;
independent consideration of exemption requests;
disclosure of complete and auditable transfer data;
adherence to DFS guidelines and approved policy provisions;
maintenance of status quo until policy compliance is ensured.
AIBOBOU emphasized that transfers in public sector banks must be governed by fairness, transparency, compassion, and institutional accountability rather than opaque system-driven processes.
Warning of Further Legal Action
The Union has warned that failure to address the concerns may compel it to pursue further remedies before judicial and regulatory authorities. The legal notice specifically cautions that continuation of the disputed transfer process could invite urgent judicial intervention and contempt proceedings.
AIBOBOU Reaffirms Commitment to Officers
Reiterating its commitment to protecting officers’ rights and dignity, AIBOBOU stated that:
“Administrative technology cannot override policy, fairness, or constitutional protections.”
The Union assured officers that it will continue to pursue the matter through democratic, organizational, and legal channels to ensure transparent and humane implementation of transfer policies.9
