In a significant move aimed at easing the hardships of families left behind by government servants who pass away while in service, the Odisha State Cabinet, chaired by the Chief Minister, has approved the Odisha Civil Services (Rehabilitation Assistance) Rules, 2026.
These new rules replace the earlier 2020 framework and are designed to make compassionate appointments simpler, more transparent, and faster.
The revised rules remove long-standing procedural hurdles that often delayed or denied support to eligible family members. Among the key changes is the complete abolition of the rigid 100-point evaluation system that previously decided eligibility. Equally important is the removal of the 50% ceiling that restricted the number of base-level Group-D posts that could be filled under the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme.
Recognising practical difficulties faced by older spouses, the new rules allow nomination of another eligible family member if the spouse is above 50 years of age, is unwilling to accept the appointment, or has been declared medically unfit by the Medical Board. In a humanitarian gesture, all pending cases will be considered under the new rules, and applications earlier rejected solely because of the 100-point evaluation system will be reopened for fresh review.
Officials from the General Administration & Public Grievance Department say the changes will ensure greater transparency and cut down processing time, delivering timely rehabilitation assistance to families who need it most. The move is expected to bring immediate relief to many households still waiting for decisions under the previous regulations.
