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Jammu & Kashmir Government Amends Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme to Include Key Provisions for Compassionate Appointments

Srinagar, 16th August 2024: The Jammu and Kashmir General Administration Department has issued a significant notification amending the Jammu and Kashmir Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme, 2022. This revision, authorized by the Lieutenant Governor under the powers conferred by Article 309 of the Constitution of India, introduces crucial changes to the eligibility criteria, application procedures, and other critical aspects of the Scheme. The amendments aim to enhance the support provided to dependent family members of government employees who die in harness, are retired on invalid pensions, or fall victim to militant or terrorist actions.

Key Amendments to the Scheme

Expanded Application Scope The Scheme now applies to compassionate appointments or monetary compensation for a person who is a dependent family member of:

• A government employee who dies in harness or is retired on an invalid pension.
• A member of the Armed Forces or Paramilitary Forces, domiciled in Jammu and Kashmir, who is killed while discharging duties related to law and order situations, militancy or terrorist-related action, or as a result of enemy action.

Definitions Clarified

• The term "Armed Force" includes the Navy, Military, and Air Forces.
• "Domicile" refers to the domicile as defined in Section 3A of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Decentralization and Recruitment) Act, 2010.
• "Dependent Family Member" includes the spouse, son, daughter (including adopted children where permissible), and siblings dependent on the deceased government employee.

Appointment and Compensation Authority

• The authority to make appointments or grant monetary compensation lies with the Administrative Department to which the deceased employee belonged. In cases where common pool posts are involved, the General Administration Department will handle appointments.

Eligibility and Relaxation

• The Scheme allows for compassionate appointments against Multitasking Staff (MTS) or equivalent posts. In exceptional cases, appointments may be considered against the lowest non-gazetted posts in any department.
• The government may relax the upper age limit and educational qualifications in deserving cases, with all such cases processed through the General Administration Department.

Introduction of Relative Merit Points Assessment Scheme (RMPAS)

The amendments introduce the Relative Merit Points Assessment Scheme (RMPAS) to allocate points based on various attributes of the applicant, such as:

• Family Pension (20 points)
• Terminal Benefits (10 points)
• Leftover Service of the Deceased Employee (15 points)
• Annual Income of Earning Members & Income from Property (10 points)
• Immovable Property (10 points)
• Number of Unmarried Daughters (10 points)
• Number of Dependent Minor Children (5 points)
• Disability among Dependent Family Members (10 points)
• If the wife of the deceased is the applicant (10 points)

Application Process and Monitoring

The notification emphasizes a structured application and monitoring process:

• All applications must be submitted online through the designated portal within one year of the deceased's death.
• Administrative Departments will appoint Nodal and Welfare Officers to oversee the implementation and provide necessary support to the applicants.

Termination and Misuse Prevention

The amendments also outline that compassionate appointments can be terminated if the appointee fails to comply with the conditions stated in the appointment order. This power of termination rests with the concerned Appointing Authority, ensuring the scheme's integrity and preventing misuse.

Conclusion These amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme, 2022, reflect the government's commitment to supporting the families of deceased or incapacitated employees. By streamlining the application process, defining clear eligibility criteria, and introducing the RMPAS, the government aims to ensure a fair and transparent allocation of appointments and compensation.