Hyderabad: Thousands of government employees will be on the move soon. The long-pending first general transfers of government staff in Telangana state are most likely to be taken up this month.

Sources in the government said that modalities are being prepared for the transfers of government employees who have put in more than three years of service at the place of posting and those who have applied   under the “spouse clause” and other special cases.

There are about 3.5 lakh government employees in the state and about a lakh select cadre (above junior assistant grade). Those who have put in over three years service will be moved to new places.

The process has to be completed before the start of school sessions as a large number of government teachers are involved. “The general transfers of government employees has to be done in May. I hope the process will be completed before the schools reopen. A large number of government employees are awaiting transfers,” said Srinivas Goud, MLA and the president of the Telangana Gazetted Officers’ Association.

TNGOs leaders are seeking transfers and priority in promotions to the Telangana staff as well as postings at the place of their choice.

In fact, the transfer issue was a big one in undivided Andhra Pradesh. Sources said the finance department and other concerned departments are finalising modalities for the general transfers. Delay in distribution of employees between AP and Telangana was the biggest hitch which also affected the administration.

Asked how many government employees will be affected by the transfers, Mr Goud said it could be between 25 per cent and 30 per cent.

“Junior assistant and above grade officials get transferred. The process must be completed by May-end, before the schools reopen in June” Mr Goud explained.

A large number of employees have put up petitions before the HoDs seeking transfers. TNGOs honorary president Devi Prasad, president K. Ravinder Reddy, general secretary M.A. Hameed, Mr Srinivas Goud and others petitioned to the government to start transfers and also promote those due for promotions belonging to Telangana region. Since 2012, there have been no major transfers scheduled due to the Telangana movement.

Though a GO was issued in 2013, the process could not take off. “Telangana employees suffered a lot in Samaikhya Andhra. We should now get priority in transfers, promotions and postings,” a TNGO leader said.