Recently, a significant change has been made to Rule 17-A, which has affected many people in Pakistan. This rule used to offer special benefits to the children of government employees who passed away during service. However, with the latest notification, Rule 17-A has been omitted. Let’s explore what this means and how it impacts those who were previously benefiting from this rule.

What Was Rule 17-A?

Rule 17-A was a provision in the government service rules that allowed the children of deceased government employees to receive certain benefits. If a government employee died during service, their children were eligible to get a government job without going through the usual competitive process. Additionally, they could also claim 10 extra marks in the Public Service Commission exams (PPSC), giving them an advantage over other candidates.

What Has Changed?

With the omission of Rule 17-A, these benefits are no longer available. Now, the children of deceased government employees will not get a job based on the death of their father or mother. This means that they must go through the same competitive process as everyone else. Moreover, they can no longer claim the 10 additional marks from PPSC as before.

Impact on Families

The cancellation of Rule 17-A has brought about a significant change for many families who relied on this rule for support. Losing a parent is a difficult experience, and many children found some relief in knowing that they had job security through Rule 17-A. Without this rule, these children will now face the same challenges as other job seekers.

Reasons Behind the Cancellation

The government’s decision to cancel Rule 17-A has sparked debate. Some believe that this step was necessary to ensure fairness and meritocracy in the hiring process. They argue that jobs should be awarded based on qualifications and abilities, not on family connections. On the other hand, critics say that the rule was a way to help families who had lost their main breadwinner and that its cancellation could put them in a difficult position.

What Should Affected Individuals Do?

For those who were relying on Rule 17-A, it’s essential to understand the new rules and adapt to them. They can focus on preparing for competitive exams, gaining relevant skills, and exploring other job opportunities. While the removal of this rule may seem like a setback, it’s important to remember that with hard work and determination, success is still achievable.

Conclusion

The omission of Rule 17-A marks a significant change in the policies related to government employment in Pakistan. While this may create challenges for the families of deceased government employees, it also reinforces the importance of merit and fairness in the job market. Understanding these changes and adapting to them will be crucial for those affected.