New Hope for Grieving Families: Himachal Pradesh Revamps Compassionate Employment Policy
In a move that promises greater support for families facing hardship, the Himachal Pradesh government has rolled out major updates to its compassionate employment policy. The revised guidelines, announced by the Finance Department on Wednesday, raise the annual income threshold for eligible families to ₹3 lakh and remove the earlier per capita income limit — a change that will remain in effect until December 31, 2025.
Here’s what’s changing:
- Terminology Shift: “Daily wage employee” is now officially termed “contract employee,” reflecting a more structured employment model.
- Job Trainee Pathway: Compassionate appointments will be made as job trainees under the third category, aligning with the multi-task worker framework rather than the previous daily wage system.
- Clerk Role Redefined: Class III clerk positions will now be known as Class III (Junior Office Assistant, IT), modernizing the designation.
- Quota Relief: For departments where the 5% quota for compassionate appointments is exhausted, a one-time exemption has been granted until March 31, 2025.
These changes aim to simplify the process and offer clearer pathways for families seeking employment support after the loss of a loved one. It’s a compassionate step forward — one that acknowledges both the emotional and economic challenges faced by grieving households.
