Great news for Rajasthan’s government employees! During a cabinet meeting on Saturday led by Bhajanlal Sharma, a significant decision was made regarding gratuity. The state government has raised the maximum limit for retirement and death gratuity from 20 lakhs to 25 lakhs.
This change aligns with the budget announcement for the year 2025-26, meaning that starting January 1, Rajasthan government employees will benefit from the increased gratuity, similar to what the Central Government offers. The previous notification about the amendment to the Rajasthan Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1996, will now take effect from January 1, 2024. This cabinet decision will positively impact state employees who retire between January and March 2024, with an additional financial burden of Rs 24 crore on the treasury.
So, what exactly is gratuity? It’s a benefit provided to employees upon retirement under the Gratuity Act. Employees are eligible for gratuity after working continuously for five years in any company. According to the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, any company with more than 10 employees must provide gratuity benefits. Typically, this payment is made when an employee leaves or retires. If an employee passes away while employed, the gratuity goes to their nominee, and the five-year rule doesn’t apply in that case.
In other news, teachers appointed under the Rajasthan Voluntary Rural Education Service Rules, 2010, will now hold the titles of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor instead of just Professor. This change aligns their designations with the UGC Regulation, 2010, and the Rajasthan Education Service (College Branch). Additionally, the cabinet decided to abolish the Rajasthan District Gazetteers Service Rules, 1980.