The Tripura government has taken a significant decision regarding over 13,000 employees who were granted one-time ad-hoc promotions in 2021, announcing that they will now be treated as regular promotees.

After Monday’s Cabinet meeting, government spokesperson Sushanta Chowdhury told reporters that the session, chaired by Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha, approved the move following prolonged uncertainty due to a pending Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court. Because the case is still awaiting a final verdict, the promotions could not be regularised earlier.

Chowdhury explained that many employees who retired after receiving these ad-hoc promotions were unable to draw pension and other benefits aligned with their promoted posts. For instance, an officer promoted from Deputy Director to Joint Director on an ad-hoc basis continued to receive retirement benefits only for the lower post.

To resolve the long-standing grievance, the state government had set up a committee led by former Tripura High Court judge Justice Arindam Lodh. After examining the issue, the committee submitted its report with recommendations to the government.

“Based on the committee’s suggestions, the Cabinet has decided that all employees who received ad-hoc promotions in 2021—whether currently serving or already retired—will now be regarded as regular employees,” Chowdhury announced. He added that while the final decision remains subject to the Supreme Court’s ruling, the state will extend all financial and service-related benefits retrospectively from 2021.

“The employees have contributed immensely to Tripura’s development. Many retired without receiving the benefits they deserved. Today’s decision delivers long-awaited justice,” Chowdhury said.