Are There Separate Rules For Civilian Employees In The Military?

Yes, there are separate and well-defined rules for civilian employees working in the military. These individuals are known as defence civilians and play a crucial role in supporting the Indian Armed Forces through administrative, technical, clerical, and logistical services. Unlike uniformed personnel, they are not subject to military laws like the Army Act, Navy Act, or Air Force Act. Instead, their employment is governed by civilian service rules under the Government of India, particularly those framed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

Separate Rules for Civilian Employees in the Military

1. Governance under Central Civil Services (CCS) Rules

Defence civilian employees are governed by the Central Civil Services (CCS) Rules, which include:

CCS (Conduct) Rules

CCS (Leave) Rules

CCS (Pension) Rules

CCS (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules

These rules define their rights, duties, disciplinary actions, and service benefits.

2. Classification of Defence Civilians

Civilian employees are appointed in various departments under MoD such as:

Defence Accounts Department (DAD)

Ordnance Factories / Directorate of Ordnance Services

Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (AFHQCS)

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) – civilian side

MES (Military Engineer Services)

They are categorized into Group A, B, C, and D posts, with service rules based on the level and nature of their duties.

3. Recruitment and Appointment Rules

Recruitment for civilian posts follows specific recruitment rules framed by the MoD and DoPT:

Group A posts – through UPSC (e.g., Civil Services, Engineering Services)

Group B & C posts – through SSC (Staff Selection Commission), departmental exams, or direct recruitment

Each post has defined eligibility criteria, selection method, probation period, and promotion policy.

4. Distinction from Uniformed Personnel

Unlike military personnel:

Civilian employees do not wear uniforms

They are not subject to military law or court martial

Their promotions and transfers follow civil service norms, not defence service norms

However, they may be posted in military environments and work closely with armed forces.

5. Pay and Allowances

Their pay is determined by the 7th Central Pay Commission, and they receive:

Basic pay + DA (Dearness Allowance)

HRA (House Rent Allowance)

Transport Allowance

They are eligible for pensions, GPF/NPS, medical facilities, and gratuity, as per government civil service rules.

6. Welfare and Service Benefits

Defence civilians benefit from:

Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)

Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme (CGEGIS)

Training programs through Defence Institute of Work Study and other training establishments

7. Framing and Amendment of Rules

Rules are:

Framed and amended by the MoD in consultation with DoPT

Approved by President of India under Article 309 of the Constitution

Notified in the Official Gazette

These rules are revised periodically to incorporate changes in policy, technology, or organizational needs.

Example

If a civilian is recruited as an Administrative Officer under the Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (AFHQCS), they:

Are selected through UPSC based on civil service rules.

Follow CCS rules for leave, conduct, promotions, and pension.

Work alongside military officers in administrative roles at service headquarters.

Unlike uniformed officers, they are not subject to SSB interviews or defence service laws, and can be posted across different defence establishments in a civilian capacity.