Chandigarh Administration introduces point-based merit system for compassionate appointments
Kuljinder Sra
Chandigarh, June 10, 2025 — In a significant move aimed at bringing greater transparency and efficiency to compassionate appointments, the Chandigarh Administration has introduced a Point-Based Merit System for evaluating applications under the Compassionate Appointment Scheme.
The new system was issued by the Department of Personnel on 9 June 2025. The scheme aims to provide employment on compassionate grounds to a dependent family member of a government employee who dies in service or is medically retired, thereby leaving the family in financial hardship.
Centralization of Vacancies
To expedite the appointment process, 5% of vacancies under the direct recruitment quota for Group C posts across all departments of the Chandigarh Administration will now be centralized.
This pooled vacancy approach will enable quicker and more equitable deployment of compassionate appointments across departments.All cases related to the dependents of deceased or medically retired employees will also be centralized and grouped for processing.
Three-Tier Implementation Structure
To ensure smooth and transparent implementation, the Chandigarh Administration has formed a three-tier structure:
- Departmental Sub-Committee: Existing departmental committees will now serve as sub-committees to screen applications at the department level.
- Compassionate Cell: A dedicated cell has been established under the Personnel Department (Branch I), utilizing the existing setup at the office of the REO.
- Apex Committee: Chaired by the senior-most IAS officer below the Chief Secretary, this committee includes key officials from Personnel, Finance, Legal, Social Welfare, Employment, and Police Departments.
Key Guidelines for Eligibility
- If the spouse of a deceased government employee is already in regular government service, compassionate appointment to other dependents (e.g., son or daughter) will not ordinarily be considered.
- Similarly, if the brother or sister of an unmarried deceased employee is in government service, further appointments under this scheme will generally not be granted to other siblings.
- However, exceptional cases may be considered as per Para 11 of the Department of Personnel and Training’s Office Memorandum dated 02.08.2022.
Transparency Through Point-Based Evaluation
To ensure transparency and objectivity, the Chandigarh Administration has introduced a 100-point merit-based evaluation system. The points will be allocated based on various socio-economic and familial criteria such as:
- Number of dependents
- Income levels
- Family’s financial liabilities
- Absence of earning members
- Size and nature of the family
This system is intended to prioritize the most financially distressed families and provide them with timely support through employment.
Comprehensive Role Definition
The circular also includes a detailed annexure defining the roles and responsibilities of:
- Welfare Officers
- Departmental Sub-Committees
- Compassionate Cell
- Apex Committee