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.

The Madhya Pradesh government’s move to scrap a nearly 25-year-old rule that bars people with more than two children from government jobs has reportedly stalled at the bureaucratic level. Despite directions from Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, the General Administration Department (GAD) has so far failed to bring a proposal before the state Cabinet.

The issue has also raised questions over the implementation of the Chief Minister’s directions. According to sources, a proposal to withdraw the provision was discussed during a meeting of the Senior Secretaries Committee during the tenure of former Chief Secretary Anurag Jain. However, the committee did not approve the proposal, preventing it from reaching the Cabinet.

Employees Have Opposed Rule

Employee organisations in Madhya Pradesh have repeatedly opposed the provision that restricts government employment for people with more than two children.

Against this backdrop, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had indicated that the restriction should be removed.

Jitendra Singh, state general secretary of the Madhya Pradesh State Employees’ Association, alleged that although the Chief Minister has clearly stated that the rule would be scrapped, officials in the General Administration Department have not allowed the process to move forward.

He also alleged that delays have occurred in other employee-related matters despite directions from the Chief Minister.

Senior Secretaries Committee Rejected Proposal

According to sources in the state Secretariat, former Chief Secretary Anurag Jain was in favour of removing the restriction. In line with the Chief Minister’s position, a proposal to repeal the provision was placed before the Senior Secretaries Committee during his tenure.

However, members of the committee did not agree to the proposal. As a result, the matter could not be forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration.

Sources said Chief Minister Mohan Yadav again directed officials to make changes to the provision around a month ago. However, no revised rule or government order has been issued so far.

CM Objected to New Draft

The Chief Minister had also objected to a proposed draft prepared by the GAD.

The draft published on June 6, 2026, retained the restriction on having more than two children. Rules 5 and 6 of the proposed framework specified eligibility and disqualification conditions.

Under the draft, a candidate with more than two children would be ineligible for government employment if at least one of the children was born on or after January 26, 2001.

The draft, however, included an exemption for certain cases involving twins. If a person has one child and twins or more children are born during the next delivery, the person would not be considered ineligible under the proposed provision.

Chief Minister Yadav reportedly directed the GAD to remove the restriction, take down the draft from the government portal and publish a revised version.

Rule Introduced in 2001

The provision was introduced in Madhya Pradesh in 2001. It stipulated that candidates with more than two living children, where at least one child was born on or after January 26, 2001, would be ineligible for direct recruitment to government services and certain departmental appointments.

A related provision also exists under the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965, where having more than two children has been included under specified misconduct-related provisions.

Questions Over Implementation

The delay in moving forward with the proposed repeal has now brought the issue of bureaucratic decision-making and implementation of political directives into focus.

While the Chief Minister has reportedly favoured removing the restriction, the proposal has not yet reached the Cabinet for a final decision.

For now, the existing two-child-related provisions remain in force, while government employees and their organisations continue to await clarity on whether the nearly 25-year-old restrictions will actually be withdrawn.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday said the state government is committed to safeguarding farmers' interests and has constituted a ministerial committee to engage in dialogue with farmer organisations over issues related to the agriculture sector.

Addressing the media at Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium in Bhopal, the Chief Minister said the government is observing Krishak Kalyan Varsh (Farmers' Welfare Year) and remains open to constructive suggestions from farmers. He expressed confidence that discussions with farmer groups would help resolve the pending issues through dialogue.

Four-Member Ministerial Committee Formed

The newly constituted committee will interact with farmers and coordinate with officials to address agriculture-related concerns. The committee comprises:

• Agriculture Minister Edal Singh Kansana

• Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh

• Cooperation Minister Vishvas Sarang

• Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Krishna Gaur

According to the Chief Minister, the committee will hold discussions with farmers and work alongside government officials to find practical solutions to their concerns.

Government Committed to Farmers' Welfare

Dr. Yadav said the state government stands firmly with farmers and is making continuous efforts to protect their interests. He noted that Agriculture Minister Edal Singh Kansana had already held discussions with farmers a day earlier, and the newly formed committee would continue the dialogue process.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the government believes in resolving issues through consultation and consensus rather than confrontation.

Appeal to Avoid Public Inconvenience

The Chief Minister also stressed that while discussions are underway, all stakeholders should ensure that the public does not face unnecessary inconvenience. He said the government would take every necessary step for the welfare of farmers as well as the general public.

Expressing optimism over the ongoing engagement, Dr. Yadav said he hopes meaningful dialogue with farmer organisations will lead to an early resolution of the issues.

Thousands of farmers from across Madhya Pradesh intensified their march towards Bhopal on Tuesday, pressing the state government to accept their long-pending demands, including 100 per cent government procurement of moong and reforms in the fertiliser distribution system. The protest, organised under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), witnessed participants breaking through police barricades as they continued their foot march towards the state capital, where they plan to lay siege to the Chief Minister’s residence.

According to farmer leaders, more than 2,000 protesters representing 19 farmer organisations are taking part in the ‘Kisan Kranti Padyatra’. Hundreds of tractors, trolleys and support vehicles are accompanying the march, while participants have carried food, water and other essentials to sustain what they describe as a prolonged agitation.

Barricades Breached Near Mandideep

The second day of the march began from Barkheda and moved towards Bhopal via Obaidullaganj. Police initially stopped the protesters near the Obaidullaganj toll plaza, where senior administrative officials held discussions with farmer representatives and urged them to wait until the evening.

However, after talks failed to produce a breakthrough, the farmers resumed their march. As they reached Simrai on the Mandideep border, police attempted to stop them using barricades near Raj Heights School and later near Bansal College. The protesters eventually crossed the barricades and continued towards Bhopal.

Authorities have deployed a heavy police force along the route, while security arrangements at the outskirts of Bhopal have been significantly strengthened to prevent any law-and-order issues.

Demands Centre on Procurement and Fertiliser

The protesting farmers are demanding complete government procurement of the moong crop and reforms in the fertiliser distribution mechanism, including the withdrawal of the existing token-based system. They argue that the current procurement process leaves many cultivators without government support, resulting in financial losses.

Farmer leaders have maintained that they will continue the agitation until the state government provides a concrete assurance on their demands.

Farmers Prepare for Long Protest

Protesters have arrived with preparations for an extended sit-in if required. Several tractors and trolleys are carrying food supplies sufficient for nearly a week, while many participants have brought cooked meals, including traditional dal-baati, to sustain themselves during the movement.

Speaking at the protest site, several farmers said they would not return home without a satisfactory resolution, describing the march as a fight for the survival of cultivators.

Leaders Allege Restrictions Across Districts

Farmer organisations have alleged that the administration attempted to weaken the protest by restricting the movement of supporters from several districts, including Vidisha, Raisen, Harda, Narmadapuram and Budhni.

According to the organisers, police erected barricades on village approach roads and closely monitored prominent farmer leaders to prevent them from joining the march. The administration has not officially responded to these allegations.

Police Maintain Vigil

Police and district officials continue to monitor the movement closely while appealing to protesters to maintain peace. Security personnel remain deployed at multiple checkpoints, and authorities have indicated that efforts are underway to ensure public order even as the march progresses towards Bhopal.

With both sides holding firm to their positions, the ongoing farmers’ movement is likely to remain a major political and administrative challenge for the Madhya Pradesh government in the coming days.

Announcing the decision after the Cabinet meeting held at Chaman Mahal in Jagdishpur, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the government is fully prepared to present the legislation in the Assembly. He described equality as an integral part of India's cultural values and said the proposed law reflects the constitutional principle of equal rights for all citizens.

Bill to Be Introduced in Assembly

With the Cabinet's approval, the state government will now move the legislation to the Assembly for debate and passage. If enacted, Madhya Pradesh will join the growing list of states that have either implemented or legislated the Uniform Civil Code.

The proposed legislation is expected to address civil matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession, adoption, and maintenance under a common legal framework. The detailed provisions of the Bill are expected to become clearer once it is formally introduced in the Assembly.

Chief Minister Highlights Equality and Cultural Heritage

Speaking after the meeting, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the government's decision aligns with the constitutional vision of equality and justice.

He also highlighted the historical significance of Bhopal and Jagdishpur, recalling the legacy of King Bhoj, the Parmar dynasty, the Gond rulers, and Rani Kamlapati. The Chief Minister said the region has long been a centre of Indian civilization and cultural heritage.

The Cabinet meeting venue also featured an exhibition showcasing tribal culture and local heritage, while tribal artists presented traditional folk performances. Cabinet ministers travelled to the venue in electric buses as part of the government's sustainability initiative.

Progress of UCC in Other States

The Uniform Civil Code has gradually gained momentum in several states:

• Uttarakhand became the first state after Independence to implement the Uniform Civil Code. The Bill was passed in February 2024, received Presidential assent in March 2024, and came into force in January 2025 after the approval of implementation rules.
• Gujarat became the second state to pass a UCC Bill when its Assembly approved the legislation in March 2026.
• Assam passed its Uniform Civil Code Bill in May 2026. The legislation exempts Scheduled Tribes (Hill and Plain) and protects traditional religious customs and practices.

Goa Already Follows a Common Civil Code

Although Goa has long operated under a common civil law system, it does so through the Portuguese Civil Code, which predates India's Independence. Therefore, Uttarakhand is widely regarded as the first Indian state to implement a Uniform Civil Code after Independence.

Historical Background of the Uniform Civil Code

The idea of a Uniform Civil Code has been discussed for nearly two centuries.

In 1835, the British administration recommended uniform laws relating to criminal matters, evidence, and contracts while keeping personal laws based on religion separate. After Independence, the issue resurfaced during constitutional debates.

The B. N. Rau Committee, constituted in 1941, recommended reforms in Hindu personal laws. Subsequently, the Hindu Code Bill was introduced in the Constituent Assembly in 1948, aiming to reform marriage, inheritance, and women's rights within Hindu society.

Today, the Uniform Civil Code continues to be debated as a constitutional and policy issue, balancing the principles of equality, religious freedom, and personal laws.

The Chhattisgarh government on Friday commenced its two-day 'Chintan Shivir 3.0' at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur, bringing together Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, members of the state cabinet and subject experts from across the country to deliberate on governance reforms, administrative innovation and the state's long-term development strategy.

The annual retreat, being held on July 4 and 5, is aimed at reviewing the government's functioning while preparing a roadmap for improving governance through technology, institutional reforms and better coordination among departments.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who inaugurated the programme, said the objective of the exercise extends beyond policy discussions. According to him, effective governance requires continuous improvement in administrative systems and a work culture that remains transparent, accountable and responsive to public expectations.

Government officials said the retreat has been designed as a platform where policymakers can interact directly with experts from diverse fields and incorporate their recommendations into future policy decisions. The discussions are expected to help strengthen coordination between departments and improve the delivery of public services across the state.

Over the two-day programme, ministers and senior officials will participate in thematic sessions covering a wide range of subjects, including agriculture, rural development, industrial growth, investment promotion, tourism, sports, innovation, artificial intelligence, leadership development and institutional reforms.

Another key focus of the discussions will be strengthening governance through technology-driven solutions. The government intends to explore ways to make administrative processes faster, more transparent and citizen-centric by integrating digital tools into public service delivery.

Officials said the retreat will also examine methods to improve implementation of welfare schemes, enhance inter-departmental collaboration and identify administrative practices that can produce measurable outcomes for citizens.

Speaking about the initiative, the Chief Minister said good governance is not limited to launching welfare programmes but also involves adapting to changing times and continuously improving the quality of public administration. He added that the government is working towards creating an administrative culture that delivers efficient services while maintaining transparency and accountability.

The programme features several eminent speakers who will address ministers and senior bureaucrats on leadership, governance and sector-specific challenges.

On the opening day, spiritual leader and motivational speaker Gaur Gopal Das is scheduled to deliver a session on leadership and life values. Technology expert Abhay Karandikar will discuss emerging technologies and the future of governance, while agricultural economist Dr. Ramesh Chand will share insights on agriculture and rural economic development.

The second day's schedule will begin with a yoga session, followed by lectures from senior experts representing different sectors. Suman Billa will speak on tourism and the services sector, Shashank Mani Tripathi will address public policy and development, Olympic medallist Gagan Narang will share his perspectives on leadership and building a culture of excellence, while Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe will deliver a session on good governance and citizen-centric administration.

According to the state government, the retreat is intended to move beyond theoretical discussions by developing practical strategies that can strengthen governance across departments. Particular emphasis will be placed on administrative innovation, faster decision-making, improved coordination and wider use of technology to deliver government services more efficiently.

Now in its third consecutive year, the Chintan Shivir has become a key internal policy exercise for the Chhattisgarh government. The recommendations emerging from the two-day deliberations are expected to shape governance priorities and administrative reforms in the coming months as the state seeks to improve service delivery and accelerate development initiatives.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has directed government officials to use the name "Shipra" instead of "Kshipra" while referring to the state's sacred river in official communication and public records.

The Chief Minister issued the instruction during a government review meeting, stating that the river has historically and culturally been known as "Shipra." He said official usage should reflect the traditional name, which is deeply associated with the state's religious and cultural heritage.

According to officials, the directive is aimed at ensuring uniformity in government documents and preserving the historical identity of one of Madhya Pradesh's most revered rivers. Departments concerned are expected to follow the instruction in future correspondence, publications and official records.

The Shipra River holds immense religious significance, particularly for Ujjain, where it is closely linked to the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. Millions of devotees gather on its banks during the festival to take a holy dip, making the river an integral part of India's spiritual landscape.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the need to preserve the state's cultural heritage through correct terminology and historical references. Officials said the government has been taking several initiatives to promote Madhya Pradesh's religious and cultural identity, with Ujjain remaining a major focus due to its importance in Hindu tradition.

Administrative departments are expected to implement the naming directive in official files, notifications and communications. The move is largely procedural and is intended to standardize the use of the river's name across government offices.

The Shipra River has long been regarded as one of the holiest rivers in central India and plays a central role in religious tourism, pilgrimage and cultural events in Madhya Pradesh. The latest directive is expected to reinforce the government's emphasis on preserving historical nomenclature in official usage.

Further instructions regarding implementation may be issued by the concerned departments in the coming days.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is set to begin a comprehensive review of his Cabinet ministers, assessing the performance of their respective departments on a detailed 45-point report card as part of the state government's governance and monitoring exercise.

The review process is aimed at evaluating the progress of flagship schemes, departmental achievements, implementation of government decisions and the delivery of public services. Each minister is expected to present the performance of his or her department before the Chief Minister during one-on-one review meetings.

According to officials, the assessment will cover key governance indicators, including implementation of welfare schemes, budget utilisation, infrastructure projects, administrative efficiency, grievance redressal, revenue generation, and progress on announcements made by the state government. The review is also expected to examine the pace of execution of ongoing development projects across departments.

The performance evaluation forms part of the government's effort to strengthen accountability and ensure that departmental targets are achieved within the prescribed timelines. Officials said the report cards have been prepared using data submitted by departments and feedback received through the administrative machinery.

The Chief Minister is also expected to seek explanations from ministers wherever delays or shortcomings are identified. Departments that have underperformed may be asked to prepare corrective action plans and accelerate pending works.

The review assumes significance as the state government prepares for the next phase of its development agenda and monitors the implementation of major public welfare initiatives. Senior bureaucrats are also likely to participate in the meetings to provide updates on departmental performance and administrative progress.

Government sources said the exercise is intended to improve coordination between ministers and departments while ensuring that benefits of government schemes reach beneficiaries on time. Similar review mechanisms have been undertaken by the state government to monitor implementation and improve governance standards.

Political observers believe the review could influence future administrative decisions, including departmental priorities and performance monitoring. However, the government has maintained that the exercise is a routine governance initiative focused on improving efficiency rather than any immediate political changes.

The Chief Minister is expected to complete the departmental reviews over the coming days before issuing further directions to ministers and officials based on the findings of the assessment.

The decisions were taken as part of the state's efforts to address faculty shortages and improve academic administration in higher education institutions. Officials said the measures are expected to enhance the quality of teaching and ensure smoother implementation of education reforms envisioned under the National Education Policy.

One of the most important announcements is the recruitment of 700 assistant professors for government colleges across the state. For several years, many institutions have been functioning with a shortage of permanent faculty members, relying heavily on guest lecturers and temporary arrangements. The proposed recruitment drive is expected to provide much-needed academic support and improve student-teacher ratios in colleges.

The government has also decided to fill the posts of regular principals in colleges. A large number of institutions have been operating under interim or additional-charge arrangements, affecting administrative efficiency and long-term planning. Education officials believe that the appointment of regular principals will strengthen institutional leadership and improve governance at the college level.

The expansion of the National Education Policy is another key component of the government's latest decisions. The policy aims to bring structural reforms in the education sector by promoting multidisciplinary learning, skill development, flexibility in academic programs and greater use of technology in teaching and learning processes.

According to officials, the expansion of NEP-related initiatives is intended to align higher education institutions in Chhattisgarh with national education goals. Colleges are expected to gradually adopt reforms related to curriculum design, credit systems, vocational education and student-focused learning models.

The government has also indicated that concerns raised by guest faculty members will be examined. Guest lecturers have repeatedly sought better service conditions and greater job security, arguing that they play a crucial role in maintaining academic activities in institutions facing faculty shortages. Officials said the demands of guest faculty members are under consideration, although no final decision has been announced yet.

Education experts have welcomed the recruitment proposal, noting that faculty shortages remain one of the biggest challenges facing higher education institutions in many states. The addition of permanent teaching staff is expected to improve classroom instruction, research activities and academic outcomes.

The move comes amid growing emphasis on strengthening state universities and colleges to meet rising enrolment levels and changing educational requirements. With increasing demand for higher education, institutions have been under pressure to improve infrastructure, faculty strength and academic quality.

Political observers also view the announcement as an important governance initiative, particularly because education remains a key public concern. Recruitment of teaching staff and administrative reforms in colleges are likely to benefit students across urban and rural areas of the state.

The Higher Education Department is expected to release detailed guidelines regarding the recruitment process and implementation roadmap in the coming months. Aspirants awaiting teaching opportunities in government colleges are likely to closely monitor further announcements.

With the latest decisions, the Chhattisgarh government has signalled its intent to strengthen higher education through faculty recruitment, administrative reforms and wider implementation of the National Education Policy. The success of these initiatives, however, will depend on timely execution and effective implementation at the institutional level.

The Chhattisgarh High Court on Thursday came down heavily on the state government’s sluggish fire safety measures, warning that merely floating tenders would not suffice and insisting on visible progress on the ground.

A division bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal took strong exception to the delay in setting up fire stations and procuring modern equipment. The court has now sought a status report on all tenders related to fire brigade vehicles and equipment worth ₹72.70 crore.

The sharp remarks came while hearing a public interest litigation triggered by the recent Lucknow coaching centre fire tragedy, which claimed several young lives. The court also took note of a recent fire at a power substation and shops in Mopka area of Bilaspur.

The bench made it clear — “Just showing tenders won’t do. Work must be visible on the ground. Work orders should also be shown.” The matter has been posted for next hearing on July 21, 2026, along with a demand for a sworn affidavit from the state government.

Administration Wakes Up, Forms Inspection Teams

In response to the growing concern after the Lucknow incident, the Bilaspur district administration has swung into action. Committees have been formed to inspect coaching institutes, malls, hotels, and multi-storey buildings across the district.

At the city level, an SDM-headed team will oversee the exercise, while similar committees under SDM leadership have been set up in every sub-division. These teams have been given 10 days to submit their inspection reports.

Collector has made it clear that no laxity in safety norms will be tolerated. Teams comprising revenue, police, municipal corporation, and town planning officials will check fire exits, emergency evacuation plans, and overall compliance.

So far, municipal teams have already inspected several coaching centres. One institute was sealed due to having only a single entry-exit gate, while five others were issued notices.

Long-Standing Neglect Comes Under Scanner

The court was informed that approval for constructing new fire stations was granted way back in 2020. However, even after two-and-a-half years, the administration failed to identify suitable land in many places. Out of 16 proposed fire stations, land has been allotted only in five districts — Gariaband, Bemetara, Balod, Sakti, and Surajpur — where funds have also been released.

In 11 other districts, including Mungeli, GPM, Bijapur, Sarangarh, Sukma, and Narayanpur, the land allotment process is yet to begin.

The high court expressed displeasure over the slow pace and directed the government to expedite both land identification and equipment procurement.

Fire Audit to Be the Basis of Crackdown

Interestingly, no single department has complete data on the total number of coaching centres, malls, and commercial buildings in the district. The administration has now decided to rely on fire audit records maintained by the fire department as the primary basis for inspections.

Institutes without valid fire NOC are likely to face immediate action. Emphasis will be on emergency exits, basic firefighting equipment, and overall safety preparedness.

The Lucknow fire has clearly shaken administrations across states. In Chhattisgarh too, officials are now under pressure to show quick results. Local residents, especially parents of students attending coaching centres, have welcomed the move but remain sceptical about its implementation.

Many recall how similar assurances were given in the past after smaller fire incidents, but systemic change remained elusive. Whether this time the focus remains on genuine improvement or ends up being a short-lived exercise after media and court pressure will be watched closely in the coming weeks.

For now, the message from the High Court is loud and clear — fire safety cannot be treated as a mere paperwork exercise. Lives depend on actual implementation.

As Bilaspur and other districts begin the massive inspection drive, coaching institutes and commercial establishments are on high alert. Authorities have warned that serious violations could lead to sealing of premises.

Further details on the status report and committee findings are expected in the coming days.

The Madhya Pradesh Finance Department has initiated a large-scale audit of nearly 38,000 work-charged and contingency-paid employees, directing departments across the state to examine service records, pay fixation orders and salary-related benefits before employees retire. The move is aimed at identifying irregular financial benefits and resolving long-pending service matters that have accumulated over the years.

According to official instructions issued by the Finance Department, departments have been asked to verify whether employees received any pay-scale upgrades, promotions, time-bound increments or other financial benefits in accordance with established rules. Cases where benefits were allegedly granted in violation of regulations will be scrutinised and appropriate action may follow if discrepancies are confirmed.

The review will cover employees working in several major government departments, including Public Works, Public Health Engineering, Water Resources, Narmada Valley Development and School Education. These departments account for the largest concentration of work-charged and contingency-paid personnel in the state.

Special Campaign Across Departments

To accelerate the process, the Finance Department has directed all concerned departments to launch a special campaign focused on pending cases related to pay fixation, salary approvals, pension-linked benefits and service record verification.

Officials have been instructed to establish a dedicated mechanism for handling such cases and ensure that unresolved matters are examined on priority. The government believes the campaign will help clear a significant backlog of salary and service-related disputes while strengthening administrative accountability.

Under the directive, departments will also be required to submit periodic progress reports to the Finance Department, allowing authorities to monitor implementation and track the disposal of pending cases.

Focus on Service Books

A key component of the exercise involves the verification of employees' service books. Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) and departmental heads have been asked to review records thoroughly, identify errors and make necessary corrections after obtaining approvals wherever required.

Officials will examine details relating to appointments, promotions, pay revisions, time-scale benefits and retirement-related entitlements. The review is expected to ensure that all records remain accurate and compliant with existing financial regulations.

The Finance Department has fixed a target of six months for resolving pending cases associated with service records and pay fixation.

Irregularities Under Scanner

Government sources indicate that disputes related to salary fixation, promotion benefits, time-bound pay scales and retirement dues have often led to prolonged delays and grievances among employees. In some instances, irregular approvals or procedural lapses have reportedly resulted in incorrect financial benefits being extended.

The ongoing audit seeks to identify such cases before retirement, reducing the possibility of future disputes involving pension calculations or recovery proceedings.

The order also warns that responsibility may be fixed on concerned officers if cases are not addressed within the prescribed timeline. This provision is intended to ensure timely action and prevent unnecessary delays in resolving employee-related matters.

Administrative and Financial Impact

The exercise is expected to improve transparency in personnel management and strengthen financial discipline across government departments. By reviewing service records before retirement, the state government aims to minimise legal disputes, reduce administrative complications and ensure that financial benefits are granted strictly according to rules.

Officials believe the campaign will not only help detect irregularities but also provide long-awaited relief to employees whose legitimate pay and service-related issues have remained unresolved for years

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday expanded his council of ministers, with 12 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) taking oath as cabinet ministers. The expansion comes shortly after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a third consecutive term in the state, reinforcing its political dominance in Assam.

The swearing-in ceremony was held in the presence of senior government leaders and party functionaries. Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly inducted ministers.

The cabinet expansion is being viewed as a significant political and administrative step aimed at strengthening governance, ensuring broader regional representation, and preparing the government for its new term.

New Faces in Ministry

Among the prominent new entrants are BJP legislators Ashwini Ray Sarkar, Nilima Devi and Sushanta Borgohain. Former Assam Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary has also joined the council of ministers.

The expansion includes several experienced legislators who have held key organisational and administrative responsibilities in the past. Political observers believe the inclusion of both seasoned leaders and relatively new faces reflects the party's attempt to balance experience with fresh leadership.

Chief Minister Sarma announced the list of ministers a day before the oath-taking ceremony through a social media post, confirming the names of all 12 legislators selected for ministerial responsibilities.

NDA Ally Gets Representation

The expansion also accommodated leaders from alliance partner Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). Senior AGP leader Keshab Mahanta, who served as a minister in the previous NDA government, has been included in the new cabinet.

The move signals the BJP's continued effort to maintain coalition unity while ensuring adequate representation for its alliance partners within the government structure.

Other legislators inducted into the ministry include Ashok Singhal, Bimal Borah, Jayant Mallabaruah, Kaushik Rai, Krishnendu Paul, Pijush Hazarika and Ranoj Pegu.

Strong Electoral Mandate

The cabinet expansion follows the NDA's emphatic performance in the Assam Assembly elections. The alliance secured 102 seats in the 126-member Assembly, comfortably retaining power and extending its political influence in the northeastern state.

The result marked the third consecutive electoral victory for the BJP-led alliance in Assam, underlining the party's strong organisational presence and voter support.

Following the election victory, Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in for a second consecutive term as Chief Minister on May 12 at a ceremony held in Guwahati.

Several senior leaders, including Rameswar Teli, Atul Bora, Charan Boro and Ajanta Neog, had earlier taken oath as members of the new Council of Ministers.

Governance Priorities Ahead

Political analysts believe the expanded cabinet will help distribute administrative responsibilities more effectively across departments and regions. The new team is expected to focus on infrastructure development, employment generation, welfare initiatives and implementation of key government schemes.

The induction of additional ministers may also enhance coordination between departments as the government begins implementing its agenda for the new term.

With a strong legislative majority and an expanded council of ministers, the Himanta Biswa Sarma government enters its new tenure with significant political stability and administrative capacity.