The 8th Central Pay Commission is holding the second and final day of its two-day consultation in Chennai on Monday, September 8, with representatives of central government employees, pensioners and other stakeholder organisations expected to present their views on pay, allowances, pensions and service conditions.

The Commission's Chennai visit is scheduled for September 7 and 8, 2026, according to its official calendar. It will then travel to Puducherry on September 9 for another round of stakeholder consultations. 

Stakeholders Present Their Demands

The ongoing consultations are part of the Commission's wider exercise to gather views from employee and pensioner organisations before finalising its recommendations.

Discussions can cover issues related to salary structures, pensions, allowances, working conditions and other service-related matters. The consultations are particularly significant for central government employees and pensioners awaiting clarity on the next pay revision. 

The Commission has been conducting meetings with different stakeholder groups in various parts of the country as part of its consultation process.

Chennai Visit on September 7-8

The official 8th Central Pay Commission website lists its Chennai visit for September 7-8. The consultation is intended to provide Tamil Nadu-based associations and other eligible stakeholders an opportunity to interact with the Commission. 

The Chennai meetings follow the Commission's earlier consultations in other cities and form part of a broader nationwide outreach programme.

Puducherry Next on September 9

After completing its Chennai schedule, the Commission will travel to Puducherry on September 9.

The Puducherry government has separately issued official notices concerning the Commission's visit, confirming the scheduled engagement on September 9.

The Puducherry meeting will give eligible local employee, pensioner and other stakeholder organisations an opportunity to place their concerns and suggestions before the Commission.

No Final Salary Hike Yet

The ongoing consultations should not be interpreted as an announcement of a final salary increase. The Commission is still in the process of gathering representations and examining different demands.

Issues such as the fitment factor, revised pay scales, allowances and pension-related changes remain subjects of discussion, and any final figures will depend on the Commission's recommendations and subsequent government decisions.

Report Expected After Consultation Process

The 8th Central Pay Commission was constituted in November 2025 and has been given an 18-month period to submit its recommendations. Its consultation programme is therefore an important stage before the preparation of the final report. 

For central government employees and pensioners, the Chennai and Puducherry meetings are significant because they provide another opportunity for organised groups to put forward their demands directly before the Commission.

Regular and contractual employees, government officers and pensioners in Chhattisgarh are set to stage a symbolic protest outside Indravati Bhawan in Nava Raipur on September 11, raising a five-point set of demands related to dearness allowance (DA), pending arrears, regularisation and employment conditions.

The demonstration will be held during the lunch break under the “Ek Maang-Ek Manch Abhiyan” (One Demand, One Platform Campaign). Employee organisations are also expected to submit a memorandum addressed to the Chief Secretary through the designated nodal officer. Reports from employee groups indicate that representatives of more than 50 organisations may participate. 

DA From January 2026 and 86 Months of Arrears

A major demand is payment of dearness allowance to employees and pensioners from January 2026, along with arrears that employee organisations describe as pending for 86 months.

The organisations have alleged that employees have not received DA benefits on the schedule they expect and that arrears have accumulated over several years. These figures and claims are being raised by the employee groups as part of their demands and should not be treated as a government-confirmed liability without an official order or statement. 

The organisations have also raised concerns over wages, claiming that minimum wages for some categories of irregular workers have not been revised for years and that contractual remuneration has also remained unchanged for an extended period. 

Regularisation of Contractual and Irregular Workers

Regularisation of irregular employees is another central issue behind the proposed protest.

The employee groups are seeking the reinstatement of workers who were removed from service, minimum wages for employees receiving low honorariums and conversion of part-time positions into full-time employment.

They are also demanding an end to recruitment through outsourcing and contract arrangements, arguing that such systems affect employment security and working conditions. 

Five-Point Demands

According to the organisations involved, the five broad demands include:

1. DA and arrears: DA for employees and pensioners from January 2026 and payment of the claimed 86 months of pending arrears.

2. Regularisation and wages: Regularisation of irregular employees, reinstatement of removed workers, minimum wages for low-paid workers and full-time status for part-time employees, along with an end to outsourcing and contractual recruitment.

3. Old Pension Scheme: Implementation of the Old Pension Scheme for employees of urban local bodies.

4. Health-sector contracts: Ending the contractual system for laboratory and pharmacy services in the Health Department.

5. Cashless healthcare: A cashless treatment facility of up to ₹20 lakh for regular and irregular employees and pensioners, on the lines of the facility sought by the organisations in Madhya Pradesh. 

More Than 50 Organisations Expected to Join

The proposed demonstration has received support from employee and pensioner organisations representing different departments. Groups associated with health services, women and child development, forests, urban local bodies and other government departments have been urged to participate.

Earlier reports also said representatives from offices located in and around Indravati Bhawan and Nava Raipur are expected to join the protest. 

Memorandum to Chief Secretary

The September 11 programme is being described by the organisers as a symbolic demonstration, rather than an indefinite strike. After the protest, a memorandum outlining the demands is expected to be submitted in the name of the Chief Secretary.

The campaign follows earlier meetings and representations by employee groups seeking resolution of their pending demands. Organisers have said the September 11 demonstration is intended to put collective pressure on the government to address the issues concerning employees, contractual workers and pensioners. 

The Tamil Nadu government has announced that women government employees will now be entitled to 365 days of maternity leave for the birth of a third child, increasing the existing benefit from 12 weeks. The decision was announced by Human Resources Management Minister D Sarathkumar in the state Assembly during the discussion on demands for grants. The revised benefit will bring maternity leave for the third child on par with the one-year leave already available to eligible women government employees for their first two children. 

Under the existing rules, married women government employees with fewer than two surviving children are eligible for 365 days of maternity leave, while women with two or more surviving children were entitled to 12 weeks, or 84 days, of leave with full pay. Sarathkumar said the government had decided to increase the leave available for a third child to 365 days as part of its focus on social welfare and women’s empowerment. A detailed government order is expected to be issued to implement the announcement. 

The decision also comes after a recent legal and policy debate over maternity benefits for women having a third child. Tamil Nadu had amended its rules earlier this year, limiting maternity leave for women government employees with two or more surviving children to 12 weeks. The amended provision followed a Supreme Court-related legal position and was upheld by the Madras High Court in June in a case involving a woman government employee seeking a longer leave period. The latest announcement reverses that position for the third child and restores the 365-day benefit. 

The move comes at a time when Tamil Nadu is also discussing concerns over its changing demographic profile. State Health Minister K G Arunraj recently pointed to the state’s declining fertility rate and ageing population, saying Tamil Nadu’s total fertility rate has fallen below 1.4, compared with the replacement level of 2.1. Nearly 16 per cent of the state’s population is above the age of 60, according to figures cited in recent discussions. The government has separately indicated that it could examine measures aimed at encouraging couples to have more children, although the maternity leave announcement itself has been presented in terms of social welfare and women’s empowerment. 

Tamil Nadu has progressively increased maternity leave for its government employees over the years. The original 90-day provision was raised to six months in 2011, then to nine months in 2016, before being extended to one year, or 365 days, in July 2021. The latest decision changes the position for women employees having a third child, who had previously been covered by the shorter 12-week provision. For eligible government employees, the practical difference is substantial, with the new entitlement adding several months of paid leave compared with the earlier arrangement. 

The detailed rules, including the precise implementation process, will become clearer once the government issues its formal order. For now, the announcement represents a significant change in Tamil Nadu’s maternity leave policy for women government employees and removes the previous distinction in leave duration for the third child.

As many as 90,276 government employees in West Bengal have joined the iGOT Karmayogi digital learning platform, even as the state government is yet to sign the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)under Mission Karmayogi, the Centre informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

The information was provided by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

90,276 Employees Registered

According to the government, 90,276 West Bengal government employees are currently registered on the iGOT Karmayogi platform.

The platform provides government employees with digital learning and capacity-building opportunities based on their roles, responsibilities and competency requirements.

Learners from West Bengal have so far completed 10,493 courses on the platform.

Over 5,600 Courses Available

More than 5,600 courses are currently available on the iGOT Karmayogi digital learning platform.

The courses cover competencies related to different sectors, functions and behavioural requirements. They are available to all registered users, including government employees from West Bengal.

The platform is designed to provide officials with continuous learning opportunities and support the development of role-specific skills.

Eight Capacity Plans Prepared

The Centre said drafts of eight Capacity Building Plans (CBPs) have been prepared for priority departments of the West Bengal government.

These plans are intended to identify the competency and training requirements of different departments and provide a structured framework for capacity-building activities.

Centre Agencies Supporting West Bengal

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), along with the other implementing agencies of Mission Karmayogi — the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) and the Special Purpose Vehicle Karmayogi Bharat (KB) — is supporting the West Bengal government in its capacity-building initiatives.

The assistance includes guidance on adopting a role-based competency framework, facilitating registration on the iGOT platform and helping integrate iGOT with other human resource platforms and tools used by the state.

For this purpose, a programme coordinator from the CBC and an assistant manager from Karmayogi Bharat are working as nodal support personnel for West Bengal.

Training for Government Employees

The Department of Personnel and Training is also supporting targeted capacity-building activities across states and Union Territories, including West Bengal, through the Training for All (TFA) initiative.

The programme aims to expand access to relevant training and strengthen the capabilities of government personnel across different levels of administration.

Annual Courses Linked to APAR

The Centre also said that all Central government employees and officers of the All India Services, including those posted in West Bengal, are required to complete prescribed courses on iGOT every year.

Completion of the designated courses is recorded in their Annual Performance Assessment Reports (APARs) for the relevant period.

Formal MoU Still Pending

While a substantial number of West Bengal government employees have already gained access to the iGOT Karmayogi platform, the state government has not yet signed the tripartite MoU under Mission Karmayogi.

The Centre's ongoing support through the CBC, Karmayogi Bharat and the Training for All initiative is aimed at strengthening the state's institutional capacity and expanding role-based learning among government employees.

Mission Karmayogi seeks to move government training towards a more competency-driven, role-based and technology-enabled model, with continuous learning forming a key part of capacity building in public administration.

The Centre is taking a series of measures to reduce pension-related litigation and improve grievance redressal for central government civil employees and pensioners, with a focus on better coordination among ministries, systemic reforms and faster resolution of long-pending claims.

The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) is the nodal department responsible for formulating policies related to pensions and other retirement benefits of central government civil employees.

The government has also been working to strengthen the management of pension-related court cases through coordination between concerned ministries and departments.

National Workshop on Pension Cases

The second National Workshop on Effective Management of Pension Litigation was organised in accordance with government directions on handling pension-related cases efficiently.

The workshop focused on improving coordination and strengthening the capacity and skills of nodal officers and panel lawyers responsible for pension litigation and its monitoring across ministries and departments.

Speakers discussed best practices, systemic reforms and grievance redressal mechanisms aimed at reducing pension-related litigation and improving the welfare of pensioners.

Focus on Best Practices

A compilation of case laws and a booklet released during the workshop outlined best practices for dealing with pension litigation and highlighted recent judicial decisions related to pension matters.

The material also provided an overview of relevant pension policies and emphasised the need for a coordinated approach to managing litigation.

The government said pension-related court cases are not handled centrally by a single department. Instead, the concerned ministries and departments deal with such cases on behalf of the Central Government.

Special Campaign to Clear Pending Cases

To reduce the number of pension-related cases reaching courts, the government has also launched Special Campaign 3.

The campaign focuses on resolving long-pending grievances, claims and other issues concerning pensioners.

The initiative is being implemented alongside measures such as Pension Adalats and inter-ministerial review meetings on long-pending grievances. These mechanisms are intended to resolve disputes at the administrative level, reducing the need for pensioners to approach courts.

Clarification of Pension Rules

The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare also issues Office Memorandums to clarify the position of pension rules based on requests for clarification and advice received from various ministries and departments.

The objective is to make pension-related procedures easier to understand and improve the ease of living for pensioners, including senior pensioners.

The department has issued the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972, which were subsequently replaced and updated through the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021.

Family Pension Provisions

The pension rules also contain provisions covering different categories of family pension beneficiaries.

Under Rule 50 of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021, corresponding to the earlier Rule 54 under the 1972 rules, provisions have been made for various categories of family pensioners, including divorced and disabled daughters.

These provisions are intended to simplify eligibility conditions and provide greater clarity regarding entitlement to family pension.

Improving Pensioner Welfare

The Centre's broader approach combines legal case management, administrative reforms, grievance redressal and clarification of pension rules to address disputes before they escalate into litigation.

The measures are aimed at creating a more coordinated pension administration system while ensuring that genuine grievances and long-pending claims are addressed through administrative mechanisms.

Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology (Independent Charge), Earth Sciences and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, provided the information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

The controversy surrounding Madhya Pradesh's long-awaited promotion process has intensified, with officers from the Home Department alleging that the Public Service Promotion Rules, 2025 have not been implemented in accordance with the guidelines issued by the General Administration Department (GAD).

After similar objections were raised by officials in the Commercial Tax Department, Home Department officers have now submitted complaints to the department's secretary and senior officials, alleging arbitrary interpretation of the promotion rules and warning that they may move the court if corrective action is not taken.

Officers Allege Rules Were Ignored

The complainants claim that promotions were granted without adhering to the provisions laid down under the Promotion Rules-2025, resulting in thousands of eligible officers and employees from the general category as well as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes being denied promotions.

They have demanded a review of the promotion exercise and implementation of the rules in their original spirit.

Police Department Promotions Under Scrutiny

The police department, where the highest number of promotions has taken place, has emerged as the focal point of the controversy.

According to the state government, nearly 25,000 police personnel have been promoted under the new exercise, a move that Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has publicly appreciated.

However, officers who were left out have questioned the process, alleging that officials failed to follow the prescribed procedure and have not initiated corrective measures despite being aware of the alleged irregularities.

Selection Year Procedure Allegedly Overlooked

According to the complainants, Clause 6 of the Public Service Promotion Rules, 2025 clearly states that if a Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meeting for a particular selection year cannot be held on time, the pending selection year's promotion list must be prepared first before considering vacancies of subsequent years.

The officers allege that instead of preparing a separate selection list for the pending 2025 vacancies, departments considered records from later years and issued promotion orders accordingly.

GAD Clarification Cited

The officers have referred to the clarification issued by the General Administration Department after the notification of the Promotion Rules.

According to the GAD's clarification issued on June 30, 2025:

• DPCs held in 2026 were to consider Confidential Reports (CRs) from 2024-25 to 2020-21.

• DPCs conducted in 2025 for vacancies up to December 2026 were to consider CRs from 2023-24 to 2019-20.

• The special DPC for 2025 vacancies, covering posts up to December 2025, was required to assess eligibility based on CRs from 2022-23 to 2018-19.

The complainants allege these directions were ignored in several departments.

Demand for Review, Court Move Likely

Affected officers have demanded that the state government review the entire promotion process and issue revised promotion orders in accordance with the Promotion Rules-2025 and the GAD's guidelines.

They have warned that if the alleged irregularities are not rectified, the matter will be challenged before the courts.

The state government has not yet issued an official response to the latest allegations raised by Home Department officers.

The investigation into Chhattisgarh’s alleged ₹17-crore fake snakebite compensation scam has intensified after three clerical staff members of the Bilaspur tehsil office were suspended following their arrest, triggering protests by government employee unions and raising concerns over administrative functioning in the district.

The latest development comes after Bilaspur Police arrested revenue clerks Garib Binjhwar, Narendra Kaushik and Hariram Rathore in connection with the alleged fraudulent disbursement of compensation meant for families of snakebite victims. The three were subsequently suspended from service. Police have also indicated that statements from eight more revenue employees are yet to be recorded as the probe expands.

The arrests have prompted strong opposition from the Chhattisgarh Revenue Clerks’ Association and the Chhattisgarh Junior Administrative Service Association. Both organisations have demanded an impartial investigation and warned of a collective leave if action against employees continues without what they describe as a fair and transparent inquiry.

Earlier, police had already arrested Govind Vishwakarma, Vakil Khandekar and Dr Priyanka Soni in the same case. Investigators say more employees could come under scrutiny as evidence is examined.

Tehsil Work Comes to a Halt

In protest against the arrests, clerical staff in the Bilaspur tehsil office observed a day-long strike under the banner of the Revenue Clerks’ Association. The protest disrupted routine public services, including mutation, land partition and demarcation proceedings.

Citizens visiting the tehsil office from distant areas reportedly returned without getting their work done. Even though the tehsildar remained present in court, proceedings could not move forward because supporting staff and files were unavailable during the strike.

The unions claim employees were arrested after being called to police stations merely for recording statements, creating an atmosphere of fear among revenue personnel across the district.

More Employees Under Scanner

According to police, eight additional clerks have been summoned for questioning in connection with separate FIRs registered at Sarkanda police station. Employee representatives say all of them cooperated with investigators when they appeared before police on July 23, but now fear further arrests.

As the probe gathers pace, reports suggest several employees are attempting to secure transfers to other offices amid concerns over the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, notices have also been served to seven tehsildars. The Junior Administrative Service Association has submitted a memorandum to senior government officials, arguing that responsibility for approving compensation rests with the presiding authority rather than clerical staff.

Unions Question Role of Clerks

Employee organisations maintain that revenue clerks and readers are responsible only for placing documents and maintaining court records. They argue that final approval of compensation claims lies with the competent authority and that clerical staff should not be held solely accountable before the investigation is completed.

The unions have sought a comprehensive inquiry into allegations involving forged signatures, fake seals and fabricated affidavits, insisting that action should target those directly responsible for approving fraudulent claims rather than employees handling documentation.

How the Alleged Scam Worked

The alleged fraud surfaced after a significant mismatch was found between official snakebite deaths and compensation claims.

According to figures cited in the investigation, Jashpur district recorded 96 snakebite deaths over the past three years, while Bilaspur alone allegedly processed compensation for 431 snakebite deaths worth around ₹17.24 crore.

The issue gained political attention after it was raised in the Chhattisgarh Assembly by BJP MLA Sushant Shukla. Following the uproar, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma ordered a high-level inquiry and assured strict action against those found guilty.

Under government norms, the family of a person who dies from a snakebite is entitled to financial assistance of ₹4 lakh.

Investigators allege that forged medical records, fabricated official documents and fake snakebite certificates were used to claim compensation in cases where deaths had occurred due to other causes. Police also claim that in several instances compensation was withdrawn without the knowledge or consent of the deceased's family members.

The investigation has so far resulted in the arrest of 17 people, including doctors, police personnel and revenue department employees. According to investigators, an organised network allegedly facilitated fake compensation claims by preparing forged documentation in exchange for money, with multiple departments suspected to have been involved.

Authorities say the investigation is continuing, and further arrests are possible as police examine financial transactions, official records and the role of additional government employees.

In a major relief for nearly four lakh pensioners, the Madhya Pradesh government has decided that it will no longer wait for Chhattisgarh's approval before implementing any increase in Dearness Relief (DR) announced by the Centre. The move is expected to eliminate long delays in extending revised pension benefits to retired government employees.

The decision follows a mutual agreement between the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, allowing both states to independently implement Dearness Relief for their respective pensioners after the Centre announces a revision. The new arrangement has come into effect immediately.

Long-Standing Delay Ends

The issue dates back to the formation of Chhattisgarh in 2000, when pension liabilities were shared between the two states. Under the existing system, any increase in Dearness Relief required the consent of both governments before implementation.

As a result, pensioners often had to wait up to six months even after the Central Government announced revised DR rates.

With the new arrangement, both states can now issue executive orders independently, ensuring pensioners receive enhanced benefits without administrative delays.

Independent Decision-Making

According to orders issued by Madhya Pradesh Finance Department Additional Chief Secretary Manish Rastogi and the Chhattisgarh Finance Department Secretary, no legislative amendment will be required to revise Dearness Relief in the future.

Instead, each state will have the authority to notify and implement DR independently through executive orders after the Centre revises the rates.

However, both governments will continue to share information regarding the financial implications of the revision. The agreement also specifies that neither state can provide Dearness Relief at a rate higher than what has been approved by the Central Government.

Benefit for Around Four Lakh Pensioners

The decision is expected to directly benefit nearly 400,000 pensioners in Madhya Pradesh, ensuring that revised DR payments are released on time without procedural hurdles.

Officials believe the streamlined process will improve administrative efficiency while reducing uncertainty for retired employees dependent on pension income.

Finance Minister Welcomes the Move

Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Jagdish Devda described the decision as a pensioner-friendly reform initiated under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav.

He said the new arrangement would end unnecessary delays in providing Dearness Relief and ensure that pensioners and their families receive financial benefits as soon as revised rates are announced by the Centre.

Recent DA and DR Hike

The latest decision comes shortly after the Madhya Pradesh government approved a 3 per cent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for around 12 lakh employees and pensioners.

Under that revision, employees' Dearness Allowance increased from 55 per cent to 58 per cent, while pensioners became eligible for the revised Dearness Relief with effect from January 1, 2026. The arrears for the applicable period are scheduled to be paid in six instalments.

The new policy is expected to ensure that future DR revisions are implemented more quickly, providing timely financial support to retired government employees.

The Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Gwalior has issued show-cause notices to eight health department employees after they were found absent without prior permission during a monthly review meeting of government health programmes in Bhitarwar block. The action comes as the district health administration tightens accountability to ensure the effective implementation of public healthcare services and national health schemes.

The review meeting, held on Tuesday, focused on assessing the progress of various national health programmes and government-sponsored healthcare initiatives. During the meeting, several officials and staff members were found absent without informing the department in advance, prompting the CMHO to seek explanations from the concerned employees.

According to health department officials, the unexplained absence was treated as a serious case of indiscipline, particularly because such review meetings play a crucial role in monitoring the implementation of healthcare services at the grassroots level.

Review Meeting Focused on Health Schemes

The monthly review meeting was organised to evaluate the performance of various health programmes being implemented in Bhitarwar block. Officials reviewed the progress of ongoing schemes, service delivery, and the functioning of health centres across the region.

During attendance verification, eight employees were found missing without any prior intimation or approved leave. Taking serious note of the absence, CMHO Dr. M.S. Sagar directed that show-cause notices be issued immediately to all concerned staff members.

Officials said regular participation in review meetings is essential for monitoring field-level performance and ensuring that healthcare services are delivered efficiently to beneficiaries.

Eight Employees Receive Show-Cause Notices

The employees who have been served notices include Community Health Officer (CHO) Prabha Shankar Kourav of Bhauri Sub Centre, Priyanka Solanki, Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) at Toda Sub Centre, Parvati Choudhary, ANM at Antari, Ritu Choubey, ANM at Gohinda, and Archana Kumari, CHO at Sakhni.

The notices have also been issued to Data Entry Operators Abhishek Shrivastava, Ram Milan Rawat, and Komal Singh Rawat.

All eight employees have been directed to submit their explanations within the stipulated time frame.

Strict Action Warned for Unsatisfactory Replies

CMHO Dr. M.S. Sagar said that attendance at departmental review meetings is mandatory for all health officials and employees, as these meetings help assess the implementation of health services and government welfare schemes.

He instructed the concerned employees to submit written explanations within the prescribed deadline and warned that disciplinary action would be initiated under departmental rules if their responses are found unsatisfactory.

The CMHO also directed all health officers and staff to ensure mandatory participation in future review meetings and maintain accountability in discharging their official responsibilities.

According to officials, the district health administration has been placing greater emphasis on regular monitoring and timely implementation of healthcare programmes to improve public health services across Gwalior district. Authorities believe that strict adherence to departmental procedures and attendance norms is essential for achieving better outcomes under various national and state health initiatives.

The General Administration Department has issued instructions directing employees to use the Human Resource Management System (HMRS) portal or mobile application for all types of leave applications. The new rule covers Casual Leave (CL), Earned Leave (EL), and other categories of leave available to government employees.

Officials said the move is part of the state's broader effort to improve governance through technology and reduce dependence on manual paperwork. Under the new system, leave requests submitted through traditional handwritten or printed applications will no longer be accepted.

To use the facility, employees must first register themselves on the HMRS platform by downloading the mobile application or accessing the online portal. Once registered, they can submit leave requests digitally from any location without visiting their office to file an application.

The approval process has also been integrated into the online system. Concerned officers will review applications electronically and either approve or reject them through the HMRS platform. This means the complete workflow—from application submission to final approval—will be handled digitally.

Government officials believe the change will significantly improve efficiency in personnel management. Employees will be able to track the status of their leave requests in real time and receive updates regarding approvals or pending applications without relying on manual communication.

The transition is also expected to reduce delays that often occur in traditional file-based processing. Since applications will be available instantly to authorized officers, decisions can be made more quickly, improving overall administrative functioning.

Another key feature of the new system is the creation of a comprehensive digital leave record for every employee. The HMRS platform will automatically maintain details of leave availed, remaining leave balance, pending requests and past approvals. This information will be accessible whenever required, eliminating the need to search through physical records.

Administrative experts view the move as an important step toward modernising human resource management in government departments. Digital records not only improve transparency but also help departments monitor workforce availability and plan staffing requirements more effectively.

The Bihar government has increasingly focused on technology-driven governance initiatives in recent years. The mandatory online leave system aligns with broader efforts to enhance accountability, improve service delivery and streamline administrative processes across departments.

Employees are expected to benefit from the convenience offered by the system. Instead of preparing physical applications and obtaining signatures through multiple levels, staff members can complete the process using a smartphone or computer. This is particularly useful for employees posted in remote areas or those requiring urgent leave approvals.

Officials have also indicated that the digital platform will help reduce paperwork and administrative costs over time. By maintaining centralized records, departments can improve data management while ensuring greater transparency in leave administration.

With the new rules now in effect, government employees across Bihar are being encouraged to complete their HMRS registration and familiarize themselves with the online process. The administration expects the transition to create a more efficient, transparent and technology-enabled leave management system for the state's workforce.

The Chhattisgarh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, convened on Monday at the Cabinet Hall of Mahanadi Bhawan in Raipur, with several important policy and administrative matters expected to come up for discussion.

Among the key issues on the agenda is the state's proposed transfer policy, which has been awaited by government officers and employees for months. Sources indicate that the Cabinet may approve the new policy, potentially paving the way for large-scale transfers across various government departments.

The meeting is also expected to focus on preparations for the upcoming Monsoon Session of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, scheduled to begin on July 13. The government is likely to review its legislative priorities and finalize proposals that may be introduced during the session.

Another significant matter before the Cabinet is the supplementary budget for the current financial year. The state government may seek approval for additional financial allocations to support ongoing schemes and departmental requirements. Drafts of several amendment bills and other policy proposals are also expected to be discussed.

Agriculture-related concerns are likely to feature prominently during the deliberations. With the southwest monsoon progressing slowly in several parts of the state, concerns have emerged over the timely sowing of kharif crops. Officials are expected to review rainfall conditions, crop preparedness and the availability of fertilizers and seeds for farmers ahead of the peak sowing season.

The government may also assess the preparedness of the Agriculture Department and related agencies to ensure that farmers do not face shortages if rainfall activity improves in the coming weeks.

The proposed transfer policy remains one of the most closely watched issues of the meeting. If approved, it could provide clarity on transfer procedures and timelines for government employees, an issue that has generated considerable interest within administrative circles.

Political observers are also closely monitoring the outcome of the Cabinet meeting, as decisions related to the Assembly session, agricultural preparedness and administrative restructuring could have a broader impact on governance in the state.

Officials have not yet released details of the decisions taken during the meeting. Further announcements are expected once Cabinet deliberations conclude and formal approvals are communicated by the government.

With the Monsoon Session approaching and seasonal agricultural activities gathering pace, the meeting is being viewed as an important exercise in setting the government's policy and administrative agenda for the coming months.

The Bhopal patwari transfer list was altered within 24 hours, with 24 officials removed from the revised order, triggering questions over the transfer process and allegations of preferential treatment.

A major revision to the transfer list of patwaris in Madhya Pradesh's capital within a day of its issuance has sparked administrative and political debate. The transfers of 24 officials were effectively cancelled after their names were omitted from a revised order released less than 24 hours after the original list was issued.

The initial transfer order, issued by the Bhopal Collector’s office on June 15, involved 46 patwaris posted across different tehsils in the district. Most of the officials named in the list had reportedly been serving in the same locations, particularly Huzur and Kolar tehsils, for several years.

However, following an extension of the state government's transfer window after a Cabinet decision on June 16, a fresh order was issued late that night. The revised list excluded 24 names that had figured in the earlier order, effectively allowing those officials to remain at their existing postings.

Transfer Order Reworked

The sudden revision has raised questions about the rationale behind the changes and the process followed in preparing the second list.

Officials familiar with the matter said the original transfer exercise was intended to address concerns related to prolonged postings and administrative requirements. Several of the transferred patwaris had reportedly completed five to eight years in the same tehsil, while some were posted in their home areas.

The revised order, however, substantially altered the scope of the exercise and reduced the number of officials who would actually be shifted.

Allegations Surface

The development has led to allegations that certain officials managed to secure relief through influential connections.

According to sources, a large number of those whose transfers were dropped belonged to Huzur and Kolar tehsils. While such claims have gained traction in administrative circles, no official evidence or confirmation has been presented by authorities so far.

The Collector’s office has not publicly commented on the reasons behind the changes.

Names Draw Attention

Among the officials whose names were removed from the revised transfer order were Nidhi Nema and Kishore Singh Dangi.

Both had previously come under public scrutiny after a media sting operation conducted around two years ago allegedly showed monetary transactions involving revenue officials. While no fresh allegations have been made in connection with the current transfer exercise, the inclusion of their names among those receiving relief has attracted attention.

Several other patwaris who remained at their existing postings were reported to have served continuously in Huzur and Kolar between 2015 and 2022.

Political Speculation Emerges

The revised list has also triggered political discussions because most of the cancelled transfers reportedly involved officials posted in Huzur tehsil, while a smaller number belonged to Kolar.

Both regions fall within the Assembly constituency represented by MLA Rameshwar Sharma. This has led to speculation regarding possible political influence behind the changes.

However, no official complaint, document or evidence has been produced linking any elected representative to the revision of the transfer order.

Policy Questions Raised

The episode has also brought attention to the state's transfer policy. Under existing guidelines, transfers in a district are generally capped at 20 percent of the sanctioned workforce during a transfer exercise.

With 243 patwaris posted in Bhopal district, the permissible ceiling works out to 47 officials. While the original order covered 46 transfers, some observers argue that both the initial and revised orders should be considered part of the same administrative exercise, raising questions about procedural compliance.

E-Office Procedure Under Lens

Another issue being discussed is the manner in which the orders were issued.

According to sources, the June 15 transfer order carried physical signatures, while the revised order dated June 16 was processed through the e-office system. Clause 42 of the transfer policy requires transfer orders to be issued through the designated digital platform.

Officials familiar with the policy say this aspect may also come under scrutiny if the matter is examined further.

For now, the revised Bhopal patwari transfer list has become a subject of discussion within administrative circles, with attention focused on whether the General Administration Department will seek an explanation or order a review of the process followed.