In a bid to streamline departmental functioning and eliminate the long-standing ad-hoc system, the government has introduced a new Trainee Policy, ensuring the regularization of newly recruited candidates after a two-year training period.
A government spokesperson clarified that under the earlier contract system, the regularization period varied widely — ranging from two to eight years — depending on the ruling government’s discretion. The new policy brings uniformity, mandating a fixed two-year training period with no provision for termination after completion.
Responding to political criticism, the spokesperson accused some leaders of spreading misinformation about the policy and questioned the silence over the closure of schemes like Agniveer, which once provided job opportunities to Himachali youth. He also highlighted the lack of planning for those who exit the Agniveer system at age 23.
He emphasized that the new policy mirrors the previous contract arrangement in most respects,but addresses key shortcomings that led to employee hardships and legal complications. After the two-year trainee period, a departmental examination will be conducted, and successful candidates — selected through the HP Public Service Commission and State Selection Commission — will be regularized. The Personnel Department will soon issue detailed guidelines for the exam.
The policy, implemented from 19 July 2025, focuses on practical training to equip new employees with hands-on departmental experience, thereby enhancing administrative efficiency and accountability.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
