Haryana Cabinet Approves Major Policy Changes Including Aadhaar Authentication for Government Jobs

The Haryana Cabinet has introduced mandatory Aadhaar authentication for candidates appearing in Group A and B position examinations conducted by the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC). This significant reform aims to streamline the application process and prevent fraudulent applications. Candidates must now provide their Aadhaar number during registration and undergo biometric verification (fingerprint or iris scan) at various stages of the recruitment process. This move is expected to enhance the credibility of competitive examinations and boost public confidence in the recruitment system.

Employee Welfare Measures 

In a major decision benefiting state government employees and judicial officers, the Cabinet has approved a 25% increase in the death-cum-retirement gratuity ceiling, raising it from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh, effective January 1, 2024. The government has also modified travel allowance rules, clarifying that if training institutions or the state government provide accommodation and meals, but trainees don't utilize these facilities, they won't be eligible for hotel charges reimbursement. However, if such arrangements aren't provided, hotel charges will be reimbursed according to the trainee's entitlement. 

Support for Contract Employees and Special Categories

The Cabinet has approved an amendment to the Haryana Contract Employees (Security of Service) Act, 2024, changing the calculation period for service days from "in a calendar year" to "during a one-year period of contracted service." This modification addresses the concerns raised by contract employees regarding the counting of their service days. Additionally, the government has increased the pension for Mother Language Satyagrahis from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 with immediate effect, fulfilling a promise made in the BJP's declaration letter.

Infrastructure Development 

The meeting also approved significant changes in External Development Charges (EDC) calculation mechanisms for various potential zones in the state. The Cabinet has agreed to implement a 10% annual increase in EDC rates, updating the previous indexation policy that had remained unchanged since 2015. In another important decision, Pataudi-Heli Mandi and Farukhnagar in Gurugram district have been upgraded from low-potential to medium-potential zones, which will impact development charges and land use conversion fees in these areas.