The Haryana government has issued revised and consolidated guidelines for reservation benefits to ex-servicemen, their spouses, widows, and children in direct recruitment to state government services. The new instructions aim to remove ambiguity and ensure uniform implementation across all departments and institutions.
Key Features of the Revised Policy
The revised guidelines have been circulated to all administrative secretaries, heads of departments, boards, corporations, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, and universities for compliance. Under the new policy, only candidates holding a Haryana domicile will be eligible for reservation benefits under the ex-servicemen category.
Broadened Definition of Ex-Servicemen
The government has expanded the definition of ex-servicemen to include personnel retired with pension from the Army, Navy, and Air Force; those discharged on medical grounds related to military service; Territorial Army pensioners; gallantry award winners; Army Postal Service personnel; and Short Service Commissioned Officers completing their tenure. However, personnel dismissed for misconduct, inefficiency, or disciplinary reasons, along with their families, will not be entitled to reservation benefits.
Provisions for Serving Personnel
The policy allows serving armed forces personnel to apply for civilian posts if they are due to complete service within one year from the application deadline, subject to prescribed certificates and undertakings.
Single Benefit Principle Strengthened
A major feature of the revised framework is the strengthening of the single benefit principle. Once an ex-serviceman secures regular government employment through reservation benefits, the individual and family members will no longer be eligible for future reservation claims. However, age relaxation for higher posts will continue to apply.
Transfer of Reservation Benefits
The government has also introduced provisions allowing eligible ex-servicemen who are unwilling to seek re-employment to transfer reservation benefits to one family member.
Special Provisions for Disabled and Battle Casualty Personnel
Separate priority norms and relaxed qualifying criteria have been prescribed for disabled ex-servicemen and families of battle casualty personnel during recruitment processes.
These comprehensive guidelines are expected to streamline the reservation process and provide clarity to both applicants and implementing authorities.
