The Government of Assam announces job vacancies for Grade 4 posts such as Assistant, Junior Assistant, Bench Assistant, Interpreter, etc. every year. These jobs are filled through the Assam Direct Recruitment process conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC).
Grade 4 posts offer decent pay scales and allowances along with job security working for the state government. The roles and responsibilities may vary slightly depending on the department. But in general, Grade 4 employees are involved in clerical, administrative and accounting activities.
Number of Vacancies for Grade 4 Posts
The number of vacancies for Direct Recruitment Grade 4 posts in Assam Government departments is usually in the range of 300-500 each year. These vacancies are across departments such as:
- Revenue and Disaster Management
- Panchayat and Rural Development
- Transport
- Tax and Excise
- Education
- Agriculture
- Irrigation
- Police
- Health Services
- Welfare of Plain tribes and Backward Classes etc.
Candidates can choose which department they wish to apply for based on their qualifications and interests.
Educational Qualifications Required
The minimum eligibility criteria mandated by APSC for Grade 4 posts through Direct Recruitment is:
- Higher Secondary (10+2) pass certificate from a recognized Board or University.
- Knowledge of computer applications like MS Word, Excel etc.
- Proficiency in local language.
Some vacancies may specify additional criteria such as a diploma or certification in relevant areas like accounts, IT etc.
Assam Grade 4 Salary and Allowances
Here is an overview of the pay scale, allowances and other monetary benefits applicable to Assam government employees in Grade 4 posts:
Basic Pay Scale
As per the 7th Pay Commission, the basic pay for Grade 4 posts currently starts at:
- Rs 14,000 per month (Pay Matrix Level 1)
This pay scale is scheduled to increase further in upcoming years based on revisions and new pay commissions.
Grade Pay
In addition to basic pay, Grade 4 employees receive grade pay which is currently fixed at:
- Rs 6,200 per month
Other Allowances
Some of the common allowances and benefits include:
- House Rent Allowance
- Dearness Allowance
- Travel Allowance
- Medical reimbursements
- Group insurance
- Festival bonuses etc.
All put together, the gross monthly salary comes to around Rs 25,000 – Rs 30,000 for Grade 4 posts in Assam.
Career Growth and Promotion Avenues
Grade 4 employees of Assam government have opportunities for career advancement through:
Departmental Exams
Qualifying in departmental examinations makes one eligible for:
- Promotions to higher grade pay
- Increase in basic salary increments
Promotion Cadre
Based on factors like experience and performance – employees can rise up from Grade 4 to Grade 3, then Grade 2 and even Grade 1 posts over their tenure.
Each promotion brings much better salaries, allowances and responsibilities in the job role.
Job Location and Transfers
Those recruited for Grade 4 posts have to report to duty at the location they have been allotted by the concerned department.
Inter-district or intra-district transfers are however common in Assam state government jobs. Though employee preferences are considered for transfers and relocation – one must be prepared to serve anywhere across the state.
Job Timings and Leaves
General office timings are 10 AM to 5 PM from Monday to Friday with a one hour lunch break. Based on workloads – employees may have to put in longer hours or report to office on weekends and public holidays.
They can avail casual and paid leaves as per government regulations. Typically 12-15 casual leaves and 10 medical leaves are permitted annually along with government holidays. Maternity and paternity leave benefits are also applicable.
Job Security and Retirement Benefits
Recruited candidates enjoy full job security once their probation period (usually 1-2 years) is completed successfully.
Retirement age for Assam state government employees is 60 years though it can be extended by 2 more years.
Grade 4 personnel are eligible for multiple retirement and pension benefits like:
Pension Plans
Monthly pensions are provided to retiring employees or their families based on factors like average salary drawn and years of service.
Gratuity
Lumpsum amount paid based on duration of job tenure.
General Provident Fund
A certain percentage of basic salary is contributed by Grade 4 staff every month to their GPF – which they can withdraw along with accrued interest upon retirement.
Comparison with Other State Government Jobs
If one compares Assam state government Grade 4 salaries with counterparts in other states – they are mostly at par or marginally lower. States like Telengana, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala tend to offer relatively better salary packages.
But the job security, balanced work life and retirement benefits are reasonably good in Assam as well for Grade 4 positions.
Conclusion
To conclude, Assam state government Grade 4 jobs provide stable employment with decent emoluments to those who have cleared their 10+2 exams. Fair promotions over their tenure coupled with inflation-linked pay hikes and ample leaves ensure a respectable quality of life for them and their families. The application process when job vacancies are announced should be meticulously followed for succesfully securing such a post.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for Grade 4 vacancies in Assam government?
You have to apply online through the designated APSC portal whenever a recruitment notification is issued in the newspapers and their website. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before applying.
Is there an upper age limit for Grade 4 posts?
Yes, the upper age limit is typically capped at 38 to 43 years depending on caste categories. Age relaxations apply for certain applicant groups.
What is the Grade 4 probation period in Assam?
Newly selected candidates are usually on a 1 to 2 year probation period before being confirmed. Their performance is assessed during this duration before being made permanent.
Can I do other part-time jobs along with Assam Grade 4 post?
No. As full time government servants – people in Grade 4 are barred from taking any side business, freelancing or other jobs while employed.
What are some of the Grade 4 allowances in Assam?
Some of the allowances besides grade pay are: House Rent, Medical, Travel, Dearness, Festival Bonus and Performance Linked incentives for extra duties.
