The Government of Haryana introduced two major rule sets in 2016 — the Haryana Civil Services (General) Rules, 2016 and the Haryana Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 2016. Both govern the service conditions of Haryana Government employees but deal with different aspects. This article explains the key differences, similarities, and importance of these rules in simple, easy-to-understand language.
1️⃣ What Are HCS (General) Rules 2016?
- The Haryana Civil Services (General) Rules, 2016 are the primary set of service rules governing:
- Recruitment, appointments, probation, confirmation,
- Pay, promotion, seniority, conduct and discipline,
- Deputation, suspension, retirement, and re-employment.
- They define the general conditions of service applicable to all Haryana Government employees (permanent, temporary, and contractual).
- These rules are divided into **13 Chapters (Rules 1–73)**.
Example Chapters: Chapter IV – Probation & Lien Chapter V – Retirement Chapter IX – Suspension & Dismissal Chapter X – Deputation & Foreign Service
2️⃣ What Are HCS (Leave) Rules 2016?
- The Haryana Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 2016 specifically govern all matters related to:
- Grant, accumulation, and encashment of different types of leave,
- Leave salary, joining time, and medical leave provisions,
- Special leaves like maternity, paternity, child care, and study leave.
- These rules apply to all Haryana Government employees who are in regular or temporary service and are paid from the Consolidated Fund of the State.
- The Leave Rules consist of **15 Chapters (Rules 1–110)**, each covering a specific leave category.
Example Chapters: Chapter IV – Earned Leave Chapter VI – Commuted & Half Pay Leave Chapter VIII – Maternity & Paternity Leave Chapter XI – Study Leave Chapter XV – Leave Salary & Encashment
3️⃣ Major Differences Between HCS (General) Rules and HCS (Leave) Rules
| Aspect | HCS (General) Rules, 2016 | HCS (Leave) Rules, 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Purpose | Regulates overall service conditions like recruitment, conduct, promotion, suspension, retirement, etc. | Regulates leave entitlements, procedure for availing leave, and salary during leave. |
| 2. Applicability | Applies to all Haryana Government employees in civil services or posts under the State. | Applies to all employees eligible for leave benefits as per State rules. |
| 3. Number of Chapters | 13 Chapters (Rules 1–73) | 15 Chapters (Rules 1–110) |
| 4. Key Subjects Covered | Appointment, probation, lien, retirement, conduct, suspension, re-employment, etc. | Casual leave, earned leave, half-pay leave, maternity/paternity leave, child care leave, study leave, etc. |
| 5. Authority Involved | Administrative & Finance Departments oversee implementation. | Administrative Departments & Heads of Office manage leave records. |
| 6. Employee Benefits | Defines rights related to service, pay, promotion, and retirement. | Defines entitlements related to rest, health, and personal obligations. |
| 7. Suspension / Discipline | Includes rules on suspension, removal, dismissal (Rules 39–45). | Does not cover disciplinary matters. |
| 8. Leave Rules Integration | Refers to Leave Rules where leave-related benefits are needed. | Dedicated document; supplements General Rules for all leave matters. |
| 9. Financial Impact | Deals with pay fixation, increments, and allowances. | Deals with leave salary, encashment, and deductions. |
| 10. Review / Amendment | Can be amended by the Government under Rule 71–73. | Can be revised or amended by Government orders from Finance Dept. |
4️⃣ Similarities Between Both Rule Sets
- Both came into force in 2016 under the authority of the Governor of Haryana.
- Both apply to civil employees of the Haryana Government.
- Both are statutory rules framed under Article 309 of the Constitution of India.
- Both are administered by the Finance Department (Personnel Branch).
- Both are complementary — the Leave Rules are an extension of the General Rules.
5️⃣ Importance of Understanding Both Rule Sets
For Haryana Government employees, knowing the difference between these two rule sets is crucial because:
- The **General Rules** guide your entire service life — from joining to retirement.
- The **Leave Rules** manage your leave rights, work-life balance, and financial protection during absence.
- Together, they determine your service continuity, benefits, and pension eligibility.
✅ Summary Table – HCS General vs Leave Rules at a Glance
| Category | HCS (General) Rules, 2016 | HCS (Leave) Rules, 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Service conditions, conduct, promotions, retirement | All kinds of leave, leave salary, encashment |
| Total Chapters | 13 | 15 |
| Applies To | All civil employees under Haryana Govt | Employees eligible for leave benefits |
| Admin Department | Finance Department (Personnel Branch) | Finance Department (Personnel Branch) |
| Examples of Covered Topics | Probation, Lien, Suspension, Deputation, Retirement | Casual, Earned, Maternity, Child Care, Study Leave |
FAQs – HCS (General) vs HCS (Leave) Rules 2016
1. Are both rules applicable to all Haryana Government employees?
Yes. The General Rules apply to all employees for service matters, and the Leave Rules apply to all for leave and leave salary matters.
2. Who issues leave under these rules?
The competent authority defined in the Leave Rules — usually the Head of Office or appointing authority.
3. Can Leave Rules override General Rules?
No. Both are complementary. General Rules provide the service framework, while Leave Rules govern specific leave provisions.
4. Are these rules used for pension calculation?
Yes. Both rule sets impact qualifying service and retirement benefits.
5. Where can I find the official PDFs?
On the Finance Department, Government of Haryana website or the Haryana Civil Secretariat notifications (2016).
Conclusion
The Haryana Civil Services (General) Rules, 2016 and the Haryana Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 2016 together form the backbone of employee administration in the State. While the General Rules manage appointments, conduct, and retirement, the Leave Rules protect employee welfare during absence from duty. Understanding both ensures transparency, efficiency, and awareness of service rights for every Haryana Government employee.
Source: Official Haryana Civil Services (General) Rules 2016 & Haryana Civil Services (Leave) Rules 2016 – Finance Department, Government of Haryana.