Government of Kerala has revised the rules of its compassionate employment scheme under which dependents of government employees who happen to die while in service are given jobs.
As per the latest amendments/ revisions, no matter what the circumstances of death are, the dependents of deceased government employees will be able to seek compassionate employment. However, they will not benefit from the scheme if the deceased employee was enjoying an invalid pension till before their death. This pension is usually given to employees who are mentally ill or suffer from some physical disability.
It is reported that the scheme will not give jobs on compassionate grounds to dependents of employees whose service had been extended or who were reappointed before their death. Dependents of employees who opted for voluntary retirement before their death will also not be eligible for jobs on compassionate grounds. Additionally, the benefit is not extended to staff of aided institution, while dependents of principals and teachers of government colleges are eligible for the same.
Only if the dependents are at least 13 years of age at the time of the government employee’s death are they eligible for a job. The widow or widow of the deceased employee is given first priority when it comes to a job on compassionate grounds, followed by son, daughter, adopted son, and adopted daughter, in that order. Dependents other than the widow or widower will be required to submit a consent letter from the widow or widower for appointment. If a dispute arises, the nominee of the widow or widower’s choice will be given priority for the job.
In case of an unmarried employee’s death, the father, mother, unmarried sister, or unmarried brother will be considered for a job. In case of a childless employee’s death, the parents, unmarried sister, or unmarried brother can be considered for a job if they provide proof of being financially dependent on the deceased employee. In case of divorced employee, the children will get priority for a job.
Dependents already working in permanent positions in Central or state government departments, or public-sector companies, or banks (including cooperative banks) will not be considered for a job under this scheme.
If the deceased government employee is legally separated from their first spouse and is remarried, the children from the first marriage are also allowed to seek a job under this scheme.
The revised rules have received the approved of the Kerala cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.