3 big changes for contractual employees as Himachal adopts new hiring policy

TNR News Network

Shimla: In a major policy shift, the Himachal Pradesh government’s Department of Personnel has officially removed all provisions related to contractual employment from recruitment and service rules for government employees.

This follows the enactment of the Himachal Pradesh Recruitment and Conditions of Service of Government Employees Act, 2024, which eliminates the system of contractual hiring across all government departments.

Contractual hiring fully discontinued

With contractual recruitment already discontinued earlier, this latest directive formalises the change by mandating immediate amendments to recruitment and promotion rules across departments.

All relevant administrative secretaries, heads of departments and deputy commissioners have been instructed to implement these changes without delay. Notably, Column 15-A, which previously dealt with contract-based appointments, has now been completely removed from the rules.

Probation period made mandatory for new recruits

While contractual hiring is now history, the government has introduced a mandatory two-year probation period for all new regular recruits.

This period can be extended by up to one year in special circumstances. For promotions from one group to another, such as from Group B to Group A, the same probation terms will apply. However, promotions within the same group will not require any probation period.

Clearer guidelines to prevent ambiguity

The revised recruitment rules are aimed at enhancing clarity and transparency in the hiring and promotion process. The modifications are intended to align all departmental procedures with the new legislation and prevent any confusion regarding eligibility, probation and promotion terms. Departments have been asked to update their service rulebooks immediately to reflect these changes.