UT approves key service-related allowances to Punjab and Haryana staff on deputation

An official order issued by the Department of Personnel states that deputationists will now be entitled to allowances admissible to regular employees of the Chandigarh Administration holding equivalent posts. The decision follows the consolidated guidelines on deputation and foreign service issued by the Department of Personnel and Training on March 28, 2024.

The Administration clarified that allowances not applicable to regular UT employees of similar rank will not be payable. However, all benefits permitted under the DoPT guidelines will be extended to deputationists, ensuring parity in service conditions between regular UT staff and officers drawn from Punjab, Haryana and other parent cadres.

The order also refers to service rules in Punjab and Haryana, which already provide that employees on deputation are entitled to allowances applicable in the borrowing organisation. These include house rent allowance, transport allowance, joining time and joining time pay, travelling and transfer allowances, children education allowance and leave travel concession (LTC).

The clarification has been issued with the concurrence of the Finance Department and approval of the competent authority. All departments and offices under the Chandigarh Administration have been directed to implement the instructions immediately and ensure that eligible employees receive their dues without delay.

Welcoming the move, Ranbir Jhorar, president of the Punjab and Haryana Employees Welfare Association, said the issue had remained unresolved since 2022 and the decision would boost employee morale and trust in the administration.

Separately, the administration reiterated that final authority over recruitment rules, amendments to service rules and deputation matters now rests with the UT Administrator.

As per a notification issued by the Department of Personnel last year, all proposals related to framing or amending recruitment and service rules for Group A, B and C posts, as well as appointments and relieving of deputationists, will require the administrator’s approval.