Himachal Pradesh government has officially rolled out a Trainee Policy aimed at replacing the long-standing ad hoc employment system in public sector appointments.
Notified on July 19, 2025, the policy introduces a structured two-year training period for new recruits, after which they will be regularised through departmental examinations.
The move is intended to bring transparency, predictability, and efficiency to the state’s employment framework, which has long been criticised for its inconsistent and discretionary nature.
Trainee Policy Objectives and Structure
The primary goal of the new policy is to eliminate ad hocism and ensure a uniform path to regularisation for government employees.
Under the previous system, contractual workers often waited two to eight years for regular appointments, depending on the discretion of the ruling government.
The new framework mandates:
- Selection through Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) or Rajya Chayan Aayog
- A two-year trainee period within respective departments
- Completion of a departmental examination post-training
- Guaranteed regularisation upon successful completion, with no provision for termination after the trainee period
The Personnel Department is expected to release detailed guidelines for the examination process shortly.
Implementation and Operational Details
During the two-year training, recruits will gain hands-on experience in departmental operations.
This phase is designed to enhance their understanding of administrative procedures and prepare them for long-term responsibilities.
The government has clarified that the policy applies to all new appointees, and aims to standardise career progression across departments.
The policy highlights a clear departure from the Agniveer scheme.
Agniveer had previously served as a recruitment channel for Himachali youth but lacked long-term guarantees.
Officials stated that the new policy provides greater job security for recruits.
They emphasized that, unlike Agniveer, it offers a clear path to permanency with long-term assurance.
Political Reactions and Public Response
The rollout has sparked political debate in Himachal Pradesh.
BJP has criticised the policy, calling it a betrayal of earlier promises to create one lakh jobs in the first cabinet and five lakh over five years.
BJP leaders argue that the trainee model delays employment benefits and creates uncertainty for job seekers.
The state government defended the policy in response to criticism.
It stated that the new framework aims to streamline departmental functioning and safeguard the interests of young job seekers.
Officials accused opposition leaders of spreading misinformation about the new policy.
They also reiterated that the framework is based on earlier contract models but addresses key shortcomings to make it more effective.
Note: We are also on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Google News, and YouTube, to get the latest news updates. Subscribe to our Channels. WhatsApp– Click Here, Google News– Click Here, YouTube – Click Here, and LinkedIn– Click Here.
