SRINAGAR: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has clarified that employees appointed under the JK Special Recruitment Rules, 2015 (SRO-202) are entitled to annual increments and allowances after completion of two years of service, following amendments notified in 2020.
The clarification came in response to an unstarred question by Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, who raised concerns over denial of increments to such employees by several Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs), despite subsequent amendments and government clarifications.
The government stated that under S.O. 194 dated June 17, 2020, the probation period for SRO-202 appointees was reduced from five years to two years, replacing the earlier provision under SRO-202 of 2015. As per the amended rules, employees become eligible for annual increments, Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and City Compensatory Allowance (CCA) after successfully completing two years of service on a consolidated salary.
Further, official memorandums issued by the General Administration Department on October 27, 2020, and May 5, 2022, reiterated that such benefits are admissible after completion of the revised probation period.
Addressing concerns of selective implementation, the government acknowledged that some departments, including Animal & Sheep Husbandry, JK Police, and Agriculture, have already granted the benefits in line with the amended rules.
However, it indicated that release of increments and confirmation of probation are subject to departmental recruitment rules and the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956.
The reply noted that employees appointed prior to July 1, 2020, would receive notional benefits up to June 30, 2020, and monetary benefits thereafter, in accordance with the amended framework. It also mandates that employees furnish an undertaking accepting the revised terms before availing benefits.
The government emphasised that, in light of amendments and clarifications, all SRO-202 appointees are eligible for increments and allowances after two years, and their services may be declared quasi-permanent upon completion of probation, subject to prescribed conditions.
The response comes amid demands for uniform implementation of the amended rules across departments, with concerns raised over disparities in granting financial benefits to similarly placed employees.
