Shimla, May 6 (UNI) Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed officials to clear the entire backlog of employment cases under compassionate grounds within one year, providing relief to hundreds of distressed families awaiting appointments after the death of government employees.

Presiding over a high-level meeting on the Compassionate Employment Policy here on Tuesday, the Chief Minister announced a revision of the annual income eligibility criterion from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. He said the backlog would be addressed in three phases, with widows and orphans under the age of 45 years receiving first preference. As per official data, 141 widows and 159 orphans currently fall under this category.

In the second phase, eligible candidates belonging to low-income groups will be considered, followed by the remaining applicants in the third phase. The Chief Minister also emphasized the need for transparent implementation and timely resolution of pending cases.

However, the move comes amid growing resentment among long-waiting aspirants who fear being sidelined under the new policy parameters.

Several applicants, who have been awaiting appointments for years, allege that the government is attempting a reduction in the number of eligible candidates by altering the criteria midway.

Sources said discussions are underway to set a minimum length of the deceased employee’s service and fix a maximum age limit for dependent family members seeking jobs.

UNI ML PRS