Scheme for Compassionate appointment – Modification of relative Merit Points and Procedure for Selection

 Scheme for Compassionate appointment – Modification of relative Merit Points and Procedure for Selection

What is a Compassionate Appointment Scheme?

The Compassionate Appointment Scheme is a welfare measure aimed at providing employment to the family members of government employees who have passed away while in service. This scheme is applicable in both the Central and State Governments. In the Central Government, the scheme is implemented by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) through the Central Civil Services (Compassionate Appointment) Rules, 1996.

Under the Central Civil Services (Compassionate Appointment) Rules, 1996, a family member of a deceased government employee can apply for a compassionate appointment within five years of the employee’s death. The family member must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as being a spouse, son, daughter, or dependent relative of the deceased employee. The compassionate appointment is granted based on the availability of a suitable vacancy and the family member’s qualifications and experience. The aim of the scheme is to provide financial stability and support to the family members of deceased government employees during their time of need.

Modification in Relative Merit Points System

A modified version of the Relative Merit Points System and selection procedure for compassionate appointments has been announced in reference to office letter No. 17- I/2022-SPG-II dated 23.03.2022 by the Department of Posts. The delay in processing compassionate appointment cases has been identified in obtaining immovable property valuation reports and income certificates from Revenue authorities, as referred to in Variables No. (iii) and (iv) of RMPS.

In order to simplify the process and prevent delays, modifications have been made to the Notes under Variables No. (iii) and (iv) of RMPS. The requirements for verification of monthly earnings and immovable/movable property have been simplified, where an affidavit duty verified by SDI is sufficient instead of producing documents, affidavits or certificates from various authorities.