The Haryana Civil Services (General) Rules, 2016 provide detailed provisions regarding Joining Time under Rules 33 to 38. Joining time is the period granted to a government employee to join a new post either on transfer, after leave, or on return from duty elsewhere. It ensures that an employee has sufficient time to travel and settle before resuming official duties at the new station.
1️⃣ Rule 33 – Definition of Joining Time
- Joining Time is the period allowed to a government employee to join a new post at a new station after relieving from the old post.
- It includes the time required for:
- Travel between old and new headquarters, and
- Preparation for assumption of duties.
- It is **not a form of leave**, but a special provision treated as duty for all service benefits.
2️⃣ Rule 34 – When Joining Time is Admissible
- Joining time is admissible when:
- An employee is transferred in public interest from one station to another with change of residence.
- An employee returns from leave and is posted to a different office or department.
- An employee is deputed to training or foreign service within India.
- An employee rejoins duty after suspension, posting, or repatriation.
- No joining time is admissible if the transfer does not involve change of headquarters or residence.
3️⃣ Rule 35 – Time Allowed for Joining
The admissible joining time depends on the **distance** between the old and new headquarters.
| Distance between old & new stations | Joining Time Allowed |
|---|---|
| Up to 500 km | 7 days |
| More than 500 km | 10 days |
- In addition, the actual time taken for the journey by the shortest route is also allowed.
- Sunday and public holidays occurring during joining time are included, but if the employee joins duty before expiry, the unutilized portion lapses automatically.
Example: If transferred from Chandigarh to Hisar (about 250 km), the employee gets 7 days joining time including travel.
4️⃣ Rule 36 – Pay and Allowances During Joining Time
- Joining time is treated as **duty** for all purposes.
- During joining time, the employee is entitled to:
- Pay equal to last drawn pay in the old post, and
- Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other compensatory allowances as admissible at the old station.
- If joining time is combined with leave, the entire period is treated according to leave rules for pay purposes.
Rule Reference: Rule 36, HCS (General) Rules 2016 – “Pay during Joining Time.”
5️⃣ Rule 37 – Extension of Joining Time
- Extension of joining time may be granted by the competent authority in the following cases:
- When journey is prevented by civil commotion, natural calamity, or transport disruption.
- When the employee or family is ill and unable to travel.
- Extension up to a total of **15 days** may be granted in normal circumstances.
- Further extension beyond 15 days requires prior approval of the Administrative Department.
- Any period of overstay without sanction is treated as **extraordinary leave (EOL)** and not counted as duty.
6️⃣ Rule 38 – Joining Time on Return from Leave
- If a government employee returns from leave and is posted to a different station, joining time may be granted as per Rules 33–37.
- If the employee rejoins the same station after leave, **no joining time** is admissible.
- However, if leave is combined with transfer, the employee gets joining time from the date of relinquishment of the old post.
Example: An employee posted at Rohtak proceeds on 2 months’ leave and is later transferred to Panchkula. Joining time will be admissible as per Rule 35 (7 days + travel time).
✅ Quick Reference Table – Joining Time Rules at a Glance
| Rule No. | Subject | Key Provision |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | Definition | Period allowed to join a new post on transfer or return from leave. |
| 34 | Admissibility | Applicable when transfer involves change of station and residence. |
| 35 | Time Allowed | 7 days up to 500 km, 10 days beyond, plus actual journey time. |
| 36 | Pay During Joining | Treated as duty; full pay and allowances admissible. |
| 37 | Extension | Up to 15 days by competent authority; further only with Govt approval. |
| 38 | Return from Leave | Joining time allowed only when new posting station differs from previous. |
FAQs – Joining Time Rules in Haryana Government
1. What is the maximum joining time allowed for transfer?
Up to 10 days (including travel), as per Rule 35 of the HCS (General) Rules, 2016.
2. Is joining time treated as duty?
Yes, joining time counts as duty for pay, leave, and pension purposes (Rule 36).
3. Who can grant extension of joining time?
The competent administrative authority can extend it up to 15 days; beyond that requires Government approval (Rule 37).
4. Is joining time admissible if transfer is within the same station?
No, joining time is not admissible where no change of headquarters or residence occurs (Rule 34).
5. What happens if an employee overstays joining time without approval?
The excess period is treated as extraordinary leave and pay is deducted accordingly (Rule 37).
6. Can joining time be combined with leave?
Yes, it may be combined with leave under relevant leave rules, but total duration cannot exceed the prescribed limits.
Conclusion
The Joining Time Rules (Rules 33–38) under the Haryana Civil Services (General) Rules, 2016 ensure that government employees are fairly compensated and given reasonable time to assume duties after transfer or leave. Strict adherence to these rules helps maintain administrative efficiency while protecting employee rights.
Source: Official Haryana Civil Services (General) Rules, 2016 – Finance Department, Government of Haryana.