Bhubaneswar: The state cabinet on Wednesday approved key changes to rules governing compassionate appointments for family members of govt employees who die while in service. Revised provisions allow another eligible family member to be considered for appointment if the spouse is above 50 years of age.Chief secretary Anu Garg said the Odisha Civil Services (Rehabilitation Assistance) Rules, 2026, which replace the 2020 rules, aim at simplifying the compassionate appointment process, enhance transparency and ensure timely assistance to families of deceased govt employees.Among the major changes, the government has abolished the 100-point evaluation system under which an applicant had to score at least 60 out of 100 points to be classified as a “deserving case” eligible for a compassionate appointment. The govt also removed the 50% ceiling on filling base-level Group D posts through the rehabilitation assistance scheme.New rules also allow nomination of another eligible family member if the spouse is above 50 years of age, unwilling to accept the job, or declared medically unfit by a medical board.Pending cases under the 2020 rules would be considered under the revised framework. Cases that were rejected solely on the basis of the 100-point evaluation system would also be reviewed, govt sources said.Officials said the revised rules are expected to streamline the appointment process, improve transparency and provide timely rehabilitation support to bereaved families of govt employees.
