RBE No. 56/1989: Appointment on Compassionate Grounds – Educational Qualification

No.E(NG)II/80/RC-1/4 (KW), dated 22.02.1989

Sub: Relaxation of minimum educational qualification for appointment on compassionate grounds.

1. In terms of para IV of the instructions contained in Railway Board’s letter No.E(NG)III/78/RC-1/1, dated 07.06.1983, the educational qualification prescribed for the post to be offered should not in any case be relaxed. However, if on the merits of an individual case the General Manager feels that such a relaxation of the minimum educational qualification is absolutely necessary and then such cases may be referred to the Ministry of Railways. There have been cases where Board have agreed to relaxation of educational qualification depending on the merits of the case, with the stipulation that the candidate has to acquire the required qualification within the prescribed time limit. Where a candidate has not been able to acquire the requisite qualification within the time limit prescribed, Board have been agreeing to extension of time if it appears that prima facie the candidate has been making efforts, to acquire the requisite qualification. There could, however, be cases where the candidate is unable to acquire the requisite qualification. The general question as to how such cases are to be dealt with has been under consideration of the Board for some time.
2. In order that employees may acquire the qualification required within the least possible time and they do not take it for granted that extension of time will be given, and eventually they will be retained in service albeit in the lower grade, Board have decided that the following stipulations should be made in future cases where educational qualifications may be relaxed:-

(i)     The period to be allowed for acquiring the qualification will be two years.
(ii)    Such a person will not be confirmed in service till he acquires the qualification.
(iii)   He will not be eligible for promotion till such time he acquires the qualification.
(iv)   If any junior is promoted before the senior compassionate appointee acquires the qualification, such promotion will be treated as regular. In other words, the compassionate appointee will lose seniority in the higher grade to such of his juniors as may be promoted to the next higher grade, before he acquires the prescribed qualification.

3. Board desire that the above instructions may please be kept in view while processing proposals for relaxation of educational qualification and issuing offer of appointments in such cases.

Download Railway Board Circular RBE No.56/1989

Forward reference⇒RBE No.