13 things to know about govt appointments on compassionate grounds

YOU must have heard about instances of government appointments on compassionate grounds. But who is eligible and who’s not? Can compassionate appointment be made against a future vacancy? And, can dependents of a deceased government employee who committed suicide be considered? What’s about a "married son" to be appointed on compassionate grounds? Read more about 13 such FAQs:
1) Why is there a government provision for appointments on compassionate grounds?
The objective of the scheme is to grant appointment on compassionate grounds to a dependent family member of a government servant who has died while in service or who is retired on medical grounds before attaining the age of 55 years (57 years for erstwhile Group “D” employees), thereby leaving the family in penury and without any means of sustainable livelihood so as to provide relief to the family of the government servant concerned from financial destitution and to help it get over the emergency.
2) Is the Scheme applicable to member of Armed Forces?
Yes. Dependent family member of an Armed Force personnel can be considered for appointment against a civilian post within any establishment/organization under the ministry of defence, if the armed force personnel:
a) Dies during service; or
b) Is killed in action; or
c) Is medically boarded out and is unfit for civil employment
3) Can compassionate appointment be made against a Group 'A' or Group 'B' post?
No.
4) Can compassionate appointment be made to a Group 'A' or Group 'B' post if the dependent has higher qualifications?
No.
5) If compassionate appointment cannot be given in a year, can it be considered in the next recruitment year?
Yes. There is no time limit for compassionate appointment. A request for compassionate appointment can be carried forward to next years, but the total compassionate appointment made in a year should not exceed 5% limit of the direct recruitment Group C quota.
6) Can compassionate appointment be made against a future vacancy?
No. Compassionate appointment can be made only vacancy is available for that purpose.
7) Can dependents of a deceased government employee who committed suicide be considered for compassionate appointment?
Yes. If the family satisfies the criteria to be considered for compassionate appointment.
8) Whether upper age limit prescribed for a post can be relaxed while making appointment on compassionate ground?
Yes. Upper age limit can be relaxed wherever found to be necessary.
9) Whether lower age limit prescribed for a post can be relaxed while making appointment on compassionate ground?
No. The lower age limit cannot be relaxed below 18 years of age.
10) Who are considered dependent Family Members
Dependent Family Member means:
a) spouse;
b) son (including adopted son); or
c) daughter (including adopted daughter); or
d) brother or sister in the case of unmarried government servant; or
e) member of the Armed Forces, who was wholly dependent on the Government servant/member of the Armed Forces at the time of his death in harness or retirement on medical grounds, as the case may be.
11) Whether a “married daughter” can be considered for compassionate appointment?
Yes, but subject to conditions:
a) That she was wholly dependent on the government servant at the time of his/her death in harness or retirement on medical grounds
b) She must support other dependents members of the family.
12) Whether “married son” can be considered for compassionate\appointment?
No. A married son is not considered dependent on a government servant.
13) Whether "married brother" can be considered for compassionate appointment?
No. A married brother is not considered dependent on a government servant.