To address staff crunch, Sukhu govt to change study leave rules, employees to face salary cut

In a decisive move to address the shortage of officers and employees in various departments, the Himachal Pradesh government under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced significant changes to the rules governing study leave for state employees.

These reforms are aimed at ensuring that administrative work is not unduly affected by the absence of personnel on extended study leave, while also reducing the financial burden on the state’s coffers.

Reduction in salary during study leave

Under the newly introduced Central Civil Services Leave Himachal Pradesh Rules-2024, government employees and officers who go on study leave will now receive only 40 per cent of their salary, as opposed to the full salary that was previously granted. This change marks a substantial shift from the earlier practice and is expected to deter unnecessary leave while ensuring that those who genuinely seek to enhance their qualifications can still do so with some financial support.

In addition to the reduced salary, employees on study leave will continue to receive dearness allowance and house rent. However, the payment of this leave salary will be contingent upon the submission of a certificate by the employee, confirming that they are not receiving any scholarship, stipend, or remuneration from any part-time employment during their study leave.

Transfer of authority from administrative dept

Another major change introduced by the new rules is the transfer of authority to approve study leave. Previously, the administrative departments had the power to grant study leave for up to 24 months, a practice that has been in place since 1986.

Under the new rules, this authority has been withdrawn from the administrative departments and transferred to the Finance Department. The Finance Department will now have the final say on whether an officer or employee can be granted study leave, thereby centralizing and tightening the approval process.

Impact on administrative functioning, finances

The government’s decision to overhaul the study leave policy is driven by concerns over the impact that a large number of employees and officers going on study leave has had on the functioning of administrative departments. The absence of key personnel has often disrupted the smooth operation of various government departments, leading to inefficiencies and delays in public service delivery.

Moreover, the previous practice of granting full salary during study leave has placed a significant financial strain on the state exchequer. By reducing the salary entitlement to 40 percent during study leave, the government aims to alleviate this financial burden and redirect resources to more critical areas. The Sukhu government’s reforms reflect a broader strategy to enhance administrative efficiency and fiscal responsibility in Himachal Pradesh.