Assam Government Ratifies Amendments to Benefit State Employees and Enhance Public Services
Guwahati, August 01, 2024: In a decisive move aimed at supporting state government employees and bolstering public services, the Assam government, during a recent cabinet meeting, introduced significant amendments and proposed new bills to enhance the state’s administrative framework.
To secure the future needs of employees under the Old Pension Scheme, the Assam Cabinet amended the Principal Rules, specifically Rule 10(1)(b) of the General Provident Fund (Assam Services) Rule 1937.
The new Rule 10(1)(b) states: “It may be any sum so expressed, not less than 6.25% of his emoluments and not more than his total emoluments. The sum of such monthly subscription by the subscriber during a financial year together with the amount of Arrear Subscriptions deposited in that Financial Year shall not exceed ₹5 lakhs.”
This change aims to ease financial hardships for retirees and employees by allowing advances from the total accumulated amount for emergency needs during their service period.
In another significant step, the Assam Cabinet approved the Assam Right to Public Services (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which will be introduced in the autumn session of the Assam Legislative Assembly.
The amendment bill includes provisions for establishing the Assam State Commission for Right to Public Services (RTPS). The Chief Commissioner of RTPS and the Commissioners of RTPS will be appointed by the Governor, based on recommendations from a committee including the Chief Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and a Cabinet Minister nominated by the Chief Minister.
This proposed commission will operate as an independent three-member body with quasi-judicial authority and can recommend disciplinary actions against public servants who fail to provide notified services consistently.
These measures highlight the government’s commitment to employee welfare and improving the efficiency and accountability of public service delivery across the state.
Also read: Assam Government Announces Major Initiatives for State Development
