Kohima: The Nagaland Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has rolled out the 2026 Transfer Policy. It covers everyone from Deputy Ranger Officers up to Divisional Forest Officers. Even Indian Forest Service cadre members must follow these rules. Dr. Y. Atsase Thongtsar, the Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, confirmed the Governor notified the policy to boost transparency and fairness.
Principal Secretary Y. Kikheto Sema noted, "This policy supersedes all previous orders, circulars, or guidelines on the subject and shall come into force from the date of its official notification by the Government of Nagaland."
The state split its geography into three categories. Category A covers well-connected hubs like Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Niuland, Kohima, Tseminyu, Peren, and Mokokchung. Category B includes moderately accessible areas like Zunheboto, Wokha, Phek, and Meluri. Category C represents the most remote zones: Mon, Longleng, Tuensang, Shamator, Noklak, and Kiphire.
Officers must work three to five years per station. You cannot escape the bush. Every officer must serve one full three-year term in a Category C district. You also need two years in Category B to qualify for promotion. Skip these requirements and you stay in your current rank. However, five years of continuous Category C service also satisfies the promotion criteria.
The department will handle routine moves between November and January. They will take requests for general transfers during a January to March window. Exceptional cases like health issues or disciplinary actions may trigger an early transfer. If you move on personal grounds, you pay your own way. The government keeps the power to change these rules at any time.
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