Doctors & Teachers on Long Deputation in Chandigarh Face Uncertainty as Centre Enforces Service Limit
Ramesh Goyat
Chandigarh, March 25, 2025 – Thousands of doctors and teachers working on long deputation in Chandigarh are in a state of panic following new orders from the Central Government that will strictly enforce deputation limits. Employees who have served in the Chandigarh Administration for years will now be sent back to their parent cadres as per the revised service conditions, creating widespread anxiety and uncertainty.
The new directive caps deputation at a maximum of seven years, significantly affecting those who have been stationed in Chandigarh for decades.
Long-Term Deputation to End
According to Swarn Singh, head of the Chandigarh UT Employees Organization, many doctors and teachers have been working on deputation for over 25 years, having settled in Chandigarh with no expectation of returning to their original postings. “Now, under the new rules, they will be forced to go back, creating immense distress,” he said.
What Does the New Order Say?
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued fresh guidelines under the "Union Territory Chandigarh Employees Condition Rules, 2022", effective retroactively from April 1, 2022. Key provisions include:
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Strict enforcement of deputation limits – Employees must return to their parent cadres after the stipulated tenure.
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Priority to permanent recruitment – Chandigarh Administration will focus on filling vacancies with permanent appointments instead of extending deputation.
Growing Unrest Among Employees
The announcement has triggered strong opposition from affected employees. Many argue that after serving for decades, being forced to return abruptly is unjust. There is growing talk of protests and a potential strike as employee unions push back against the decision.
Officials from the Health and Education Departments have assured employees that they will convey their concerns to higher authorities. However, administrative sources suggest the government is firm on implementing the new policy, leaving little room for relaxation.
With rising tensions, the big question remains—will the government reconsider the demands of affected employees, or will the order be implemented without exception? Stay tuned for further updates.