In Haryana Government service, the term “Lien” plays a critical role in defining the employee’s right to hold a permanent post. The provisions regarding lien are contained in Rules 14 to 16 of the Haryana Civil Services (General) Rules, 2016. These rules regulate how lien is acquired, retained, suspended, or terminated when an employee is transferred, promoted, or sent on deputation.
This article explains lien rules in detail — including its meaning, acquisition process, retention period, and suspension — as per official Haryana government regulations.
1️⃣ What is Lien?
The term “Lien” means the right of a government employee to hold substantively a permanent post to which they have been appointed in the government service.
In simple terms, lien represents the employee’s permanent claim to a specific post in the government. This right ensures that the employee continues to have a “home post” even when serving elsewhere on deputation or temporary transfer.
Rule Reference: Rule 14(1), HCS (General) Rules, 2016
2️⃣ When Lien is Acquired
As per Rule 14(2), lien is acquired by an employee only after confirmation in a permanent post.
Conditions for Acquiring Lien:
- The employee must be appointed to a permanent post under the Haryana Government.
- The appointment must be substantive (regular and not temporary).
- Confirmation order must have been issued by the competent authority.
- Probation period must be successfully completed under Rule 13.
Example:
If an employee is appointed as a permanent clerk in the Education Department and successfully completes probation, they acquire a lien on that clerk post.
3️⃣ Rule 15 – Retention of Lien
According to Rule 15, lien can be retained by a government employee under specific circumstances, even when they are not serving in the same post or department.
When Lien Can Be Retained:
- When an employee is appointed on **temporary transfer or deputation** to another post within or outside the Haryana Government.
- When an employee is appointed to another post on **probation** but has not yet been confirmed there.
- When an employee is on **foreign service, training, or study leave** approved by the government.
Time Limit for Retaining Lien:
- Lien can be retained on the previous permanent post for a period of **up to 2 years**.
- If the employee is not confirmed in the new post within 2 years, the lien may be **terminated or extended** by special government order.
- In exceptional cases, the government may extend the retention period beyond 2 years for recorded reasons.
Example: If an officer is appointed on deputation to a central government body for 2 years, their lien on their original Haryana government post remains intact during that period.
4️⃣ Rule 16 – Suspension of Lien
Rule 16 specifies when and how an employee’s lien on a permanent post can be suspended.
Cases When Lien is Suspended:
- When an employee is transferred to another department or post **outside the cadre** where the lien exists.
- When the employee is **appointed substantively to another permanent post**.
- When the employee is **deputed or transferred** for a long period exceeding the lien retention limit without extension approval.
Effect of Suspension of Lien:
- During suspension, the employee does not have any claim to the previous post.
- If the employee returns to the parent department within the allowed time, the lien is automatically revived.
- If not, the lien is considered terminated, and the employee is deemed permanently absorbed in the new post.
Note: An employee cannot hold lien on more than one post at the same time.
5️⃣ Termination of Lien
Lien may be terminated in the following cases:
- When the employee is **confirmed in another permanent post**.
- When the employee **resigns** or **retires** from government service.
- When the employee is **removed or dismissed** from service under disciplinary rules.
- When the lien retention period expires and no extension is granted by the competent authority.
Reinstatement after Termination:
If the lien was wrongly terminated or canceled without authority, it may be restored upon review or reinstatement of the employee by government order.
6️⃣ Important Government Instructions Regarding Lien
- During deputation or training, an employee’s lien must be specifically retained by written order of the appointing authority.
- Lien retention must be noted in the employee’s **Service Book** and **Leave Account Register**.
- Employees absorbed permanently in another post lose their lien on the previous post automatically.
- If the post on which lien is held is abolished, the government may transfer lien to another equivalent post.
✅ Summary Table – Lien Rules in Haryana Government
| Rule | Subject | Key Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Rule 14 | Definition of Lien | Right to hold a permanent post substantively |
| Rule 15 | Retention of Lien | Allowed up to 2 years; extendable by government order |
| Rule 16 | Suspension of Lien | Occurs when transferred or appointed to another post |
| — | Termination of Lien | When confirmed in another post, resigned, or dismissed |
FAQs on Lien Rules – Haryana Government
1. What is the meaning of lien in Haryana Government service?
Lien is the right of a government employee to hold a permanent post substantively. It ensures the employee’s claim to that post even when temporarily working elsewhere.
2. When does an employee acquire lien on a post?
An employee acquires lien only after successful completion of probation and confirmation in a permanent post.
3. For how long can lien be retained?
Lien can be retained for up to 2 years, extendable by the government in special circumstances.
4. What happens if an employee is permanently absorbed elsewhere?
Once permanently absorbed in another department or organization, the lien on the previous post automatically terminates.
5. Can an employee have lien on two posts at once?
No. An employee cannot hold lien on more than one post simultaneously under any circumstance.
6. What is suspension of lien?
Suspension of lien means temporary discontinuation of an employee’s right to hold their original permanent post, usually due to long deputation or appointment elsewhere.
Conclusion
The Lien Rules under Rules 14–16 of the Haryana Civil Services (General) Rules, 2016 safeguard an employee’s permanent service rights during transfers, deputations, or temporary assignments. Understanding lien helps government employees secure their service position and ensures smooth movement across departments without loss of status or seniority.
Official Source: Finance Department, Government of Haryana