Haryana Government Amends Common Eligibility Test Policy to Remove Bonus Marks for Socioeconomic Criteria

The Haryana Cabinet has decided to amend the Common Eligibility Test policy, removing the provision of awarding five per cent bonus marks based on socioeconomic criteria for Group C and D government jobs. This decision aligns with a May 31 directive from the high court. The approval was granted during a meeting led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, as stated in an official release.

The amendments eliminate the five per cent weightage previously given to bona fide Haryana residents under socioeconomic criteria. These changes adhere to the Punjab and Haryana High Court's instructions. The revised policy is named Policy for Recruitment to Group C and D posts through Common Eligibility Test, Amendment Rule, 2024. In May, the high court had invalidated the state's policy of granting bonus marks based on socioeconomic status in the CET for these posts.

Supreme Court's Role and Policy Details

In June, the Supreme Court upheld the high court's decision after hearing an appeal by the Haryana Staff Selection Commission against the May 31 order. The amended policy applies to direct recruitment for Group C posts, including police services, prisons, and home guards, but excludes teaching positions, ex-Agniveer, and Group D posts requiring less than matriculation education.

Following the amendment, up to ten times the number of advertised posts can now be filled by eligible candidates appearing for skill or written exams. Previously, only four times the number of advertised posts were eligible. The state government had initially introduced the Common Eligibility Test for Group C and D positions on May 5, 2022.

Changes in Contractual Employees' Service Act

In another decision, the cabinet approved an ordinance to amend the Haryana Contractual Employees Security of Service Act, 2024. This amendment changes "in a calendar year" to "during a period of one year of contractual service." The change addresses requests from contractual employees regarding how their service days are calculated.

Employees had faced challenges with the current system when joining between May and December. Their service days for the first year were not fully counted towards the 240-day requirement. For example, those joining after May and before December couldn't meet this requirement in their first calendar year, affecting job security.

Additionally, concerns arose for 2024 as there are only 227 days until August 15, falling short of the required 240 days. In response, the Haryana Cabinet approved an amendment allowing 240 days of service within one year of contractual service. This change aims to improve job security for contractual employees.

Under this act, job security benefits apply to those who complete five years of contractual service before August 15, 2024. This amendment ensures better job security by addressing issues related to service day calculations for contractual employees.