Contract Hiring Ends in Himachal: All New Government Recruits to Join as ‘Trainees’
Shimla, May 15:
In a significant administrative reform, the Himachal Pradesh government has formally abolished the contract recruitment system for government jobs. From now on, all new hires will be appointed as trainees, followed by regularization upon successful completion of their training period. The state’s Department of Personnel issued a notification to this effect on Wednesday, directing all administrative secretaries, heads of departments, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, heads of public sector units, and recruitment agencies to implement the new policy.
The guidelines clarify that even in cases where recruitment processes were already completed—but appointment letters have not yet been issued or are currently on hold—candidates will now be appointed in trainee positions, subject to specific conditions.
Key Highlights of the New Recruitment Policy:
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All future appointments will be made on a trainee basis.
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Trainees must sign an agreement and serve under a fixed-term arrangement.
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Upon successful completion of the training period, regular appointments will be made as per government rules.
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During the training phase, individuals will receive 60% of the initial pay scale applicable to the post.
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Trainees will not be eligible for standard government employee benefits during this period.
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The entire duration of service as a trainee will be governed by performance and contract terms.
If a trainee’s performance or conduct is found unsatisfactory, their services may be terminated. However, trainees will have the right to appeal to a higher authority within 45 days of the termination order.
Leave and Maternity Benefits:
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After one month of service, a trainee is entitled to:
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1 day of casual leave,
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10 days of medical leave per year,
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5 days of special leave annually.
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Female trainees with fewer than two living children are eligible for 180 days of maternity leave.
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An additional 45-day maternity leave may be granted once during service for miscarriage or other medical reasons.
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Maternity leave requires a certificate from a government medical officer.
However, trainees are not eligible for:
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Medical reimbursement,
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Leave Travel Concession (LTC),
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Any other form of leave beyond what is specified.
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Unused leave cannot be carried forward to the next year.
Strict Disciplinary Guidelines:
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Any trainee absent without prior approval will be automatically terminated.
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If absence is due to medical reasons and timely notice is provided, the duration will be considered during regularization—though no salary will be paid for that period.
For gazetted posts, a medical fitness certificate from a government medical board is mandatory before joining. For non-gazetted positions, a certificate from a government medical practitioner will suffice.
Special Provisions for Women:
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If a female candidate is 12 weeks pregnant or more and the post involves hazardous duties, she will be temporarily deemed ineligible. Her appointment will be deferred until post-delivery.
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Six weeks after delivery, she must undergo a fresh medical examination. Only upon being declared fit will she be allowed to commence training.
If trainees are required to travel for official training-related duties, they will be entitled to TA/DA at the minimum pay scale rate applicable to regular employees. However, service rules such as FRSR, leave rules, GPF, pension norms, and conduct rules will not apply to trainees. Similarly, Group Insurance and EPF/GPF benefits will also not be extended to them.
The notification also states that any appointment offers made on a contract basis after February 20, 2025, or vacancies currently being processed by recruitment agencies, will fall under the new policy framework.
This decision is part of the newly implemented Himachal Pradesh Recruitment and Conditions of Service of Government Employees Act, 2024, which came into effect on February 20, 2025. However, some provisions have been deemed effective retrospectively from December 12, 2003. The Act eliminates contract-based recruitment and replaces it with a standardized path to regularization through a structured training phase.
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