Knowing that the service organizations will strongly oppose the move to restrict any existing benefit of dependent recruitment, the government is considering bringing some reforms in the die-in-harness scheme. The appointment of dependents or spouses of the dead is recognized not only in states but also in centre. The provision was brought with the idea that the family of an employee who dies while in service should not be suddenly orphaned. It has benefited thousands of families. There may be people who claim that die-in-harness posting is against the soul of the constitution. Similarly, the families orphaned with the untimely death of the employee has to be considered. So, changes should be made carefully. The chief secretary has called a meeting of employees’ organizations on January 10 to discuss the issue. It should be considered that the government will not proceed with a unilateral decision. A decision to protect the interests of the employees should be taken.

The 11th Pay Commission which came into force had also studied the issue of die-in-harness posting. Although the high court has ruled that the posting should not exceed 5% of the vacancies, the reality has been found to be beyond that. The pay commission had also pointed this. Moreover, the delay in the posting causes disillusionment for the candidates waiting their turn. Like backdoor appointments, die-in-harness posting also involve a lot of irregularities and cheating. Influence and bias are crucial here.

The government is considering limiting the die-in-harness posting only if dependents or spouses of the dead accept the job within one year of the death. If he/she is not willing to accept the appointment, then the claim will be terminated by paying a one-time compensation of Rs 10 lakh. The recommendation of the committee chaired by the chief secretary will be discussed in the meeting of the leaders of the organization to be held on January 10. It is not expected that the stand will be changed in the meeting as it has already been made clear that the employee organizations do not have any kind of agreement with regard to limiting the die-in-harness posting. There should be an action to settle the arrears which have already amassed in the posting. Many families are waiting for this.

The proposal to give a holiday on fourth Saturdays will also be discussed on January 10. Presently second Saturday is a holiday. Organizations are divided on the issue of giving a holiday on fourth Saturdays. Pro-government organizations oppose the proposal. Opposition organizations have welcomed it. The five-day work week is part of labour reforms that have already taken place around the world. It is meant to allow employees to spend more time with their families and find leisure time. There is no particular harm in giving a holiday to government employees on fourth Saturdays. On the contrary, it has many advantages. Five-day provision is ample to complete the work without incurring any arrears. An extra day off can be very beneficial for employees who work from home. It will also be a reform that will contribute a lot of fuel savings to the country.