Struggling with Long-Distance Marriage: Can Government Policies Help Us Work Closer Together?

I am a government employee in the Telangana state government. My wife is a contract employee under the government. The problem is we are not working in the same district, with 200 km between us. Are there any Acts or Government Orders (GOs) that can be used to facilitate a work-near-spouse option?

Dear Nagaraj, The benefits of contract employment are far more limited. Therefore, I doubt whether your wife can apply for a posting to a place where you are working. However, if you are a regular employee of the government, then you may put forth an application for a transfer to a place that is near to your spouse's workplace. Since the reasons for asking for the transfer are personal, there may not be a service rule defined for submitting such an application. However, there is nothing wrong with putting up an application. Give it a try.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Dear Nagraj, There is no such law available, but you can try at your level to get a transfer nearer to the workplace of your wife.

Joint posting of spouses is provided in the transfer policy/guidelines of the respective state governments. Please check the transfer policy of the Telangana Government.

Hope you both are in Telangana. You are a permanent government employee, and your wife is a contract employee of the Telangana government. Both are currently stationed about 200 km apart.

Finding a Transfer Option

A very good option is to find out if any employees in your district are seeking a transfer to a place near your wife's workplace. If there is someone seeking a transfer from a contract employee status, then a mutual consent exchange could be possible. However, you need to consider their grade and position before taking any further steps. Employee transfer is a common term, but a manager seeking a transfer from one place and a clerk seeking a transfer from another to your place will not be called an exchange. So, be cautious and consider a personal approach for such a transfer.

Considering a Happy Solution

It is always better for the one whose job is transferable to move near the one whose job is not transferable. That is a happy solution. Think of a happy family and not ego conflict. It is better to select a place central to both of you and start a new life there.