Ministry Of Power Proposes 50% Earned Leave Encashment For JERC Chairperson And Members

The Ministry of Power, Government of India, has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the service rules governing the Chairperson and Members of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for Union Territories except Delhi. The proposed amendment focuses on revising leave entitlements and introducing a provision allowing officials to encash a portion of their accumulated earned leave during their tenure.

The draft notification is titled the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for Union Territories except Delhi (Salary, Allowances and Other Conditions of Service of Chairperson and Member) 3rd Amendment Rules, 2026. The proposed rules have been issued under Section 89 of the Electricity Act, 2003, and will come into effect from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

As part of the proposed changes, the Ministry has suggested replacing the existing Rule 6, which governs leave provisions for the Chairperson and Members of the Commission. Under the revised rule, these officials will be entitled to 30 days of earned leave for every completed year of service. The leave salary payable during the period of leave will be regulated in accordance with Rule 40 of the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972.

A key feature of the proposed amendment is the introduction of a provision allowing the Chairperson and Members to encash up to 50% of the earned leave credited to their accounts at any point during their tenure. This provision would provide greater flexibility in managing accumulated leave while serving in their respective positions.

The amendment seeks to update the existing service framework applicable to the leadership of JERC for Union Territories other than Delhi. The original service rules were introduced in March 2007 and have undergone subsequent revisions, including amendments in July 2021 and April 2026. The latest proposal specifically addresses leave-related provisions and introduces the new leave encashment facility.

The draft notification has been signed by Piyush Singh, Additional Secretary to the Government of India, on behalf of the Ministry of Power. Before finalising the amendment, the Ministry has invited objections, suggestions and comments from stakeholders, industry representatives and members of the public.

Interested parties have been provided a period of 30 days from the date of publication of the notification to submit their feedback. Submissions must be sent electronically to rr2-mop@gov.in, with a clear reference to the proposed amendment to Rule 6 of the JERC service rules.

The Ministry has stated that comments and suggestions received within the prescribed period will be considered before the rules are finalised. Submissions received after the deadline will not be taken into consideration.

The consultation process provides an opportunity for stakeholders to review the proposed changes and communicate their views before the amendment is formally implemented. The final provisions will be determined after the Ministry examines the feedback received during the consultation period.