Haryana Cabinet Approves Renaming of ACB, Major Reforms in Service Rules and Employee Welfare

Chandigarh, June 26 – In a series of landmark administrative decisions, the Haryana Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, approved the renaming of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to “State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, Haryana.” This change follows a review of the bureau’s expanding role, which now spans beyond anti-corruption efforts to include vigilance within administrative systems. The new name reflects its dual mandate and aligns Haryana with national trends, as seen in states like Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Manipur.

Special Travel Allowance for Pensioners Enhanced

The Cabinet also approved an amendment to the Haryana Legislative Assembly (Salaries, Allowances and Pension of Members) Act, 1975. The previous limit of ₹1,00,000 for special travel allowance has been removed. Eligible pensioners will now continue to receive ₹10,000 per month for travel anywhere in India for themselves or their family.

Right to Service Rules Amended

A key change was also approved in the Haryana Right to Service Rules, 2014. Under the new amendment to Rule 9, the Commission cannot exercise powers against designated officers or grievance authorities if a case is already sub judice or under departmental review, until a final decision is made. This move aims to ensure procedural fairness without overlapping legal proceedings.

Group C and D Employees to Get Compensatory Leave

In a major relief for frontline staff, the Cabinet amended the Haryana Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 2016 to introduce Rule 77A, enabling compensatory leave for Group C and D employees working on notified holidays. The leave must be used within one month or it lapses. It cannot be claimed if financial incentives are provided for the same day.

Death Benefits: Housing Allowance Extended to Bereaved Families

To support families of deceased employees, the Cabinet amended the Haryana Civil Services (Allowances to Government Employees) Rules, 2016. The housing allowance that was being received before the employee’s death will now continue for up to two years. Alternatively, the family can retain government housing at nominal license fees for the same period. If they vacate early, the remaining housing allowance will not be granted.

Restoration of Commuted Pension After 15 Years

The Cabinet approved a long-awaited amendment to the Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016. Pension commuted by the employee at the time of retirement will now be restored after 15 years from the retirement date. This reform is aimed at increasing financial security for pensioners and fulfills a longstanding demand.

Finance Commission Office Rules Aligned with Chief Secretary’s Office

The Cabinet also updated recruitment and service conditions in the Haryana Finance Commissioner’s Office (Group-A) State Service Rules, 1980. The amendment aligns recruitment methods, qualifications, and experience requirements with equivalent posts in the Chief Secretary’s Office. Appendices A, B, C, and D concerning pay levels, qualifications, penalties, and authority structures were also revised to standardize administrative processes.

These wide-ranging reforms reflect the Haryana government’s commitment to modernizing governance, ensuring transparency, and improving employee welfare across departments.