STUDY LEAVE
Study Leave is a vital provision available to Central Government employees who seek to enhance their academic and professional qualifications while in service. According to Swamy’s Handbook, a comprehensive and authoritative reference for government rules and regulations, Study Leave is governed by well-defined norms under the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972. It is specifically intended to enable government servants to undergo specialized studies or training in their relevant field, thereby contributing to enhanced efficiency and performance in public service.
Study Leave may be granted to a government servant with not less than five years of continuous service, provided the employee is confirmed in his/her post. This type of leave is not meant for routine academic qualifications but is rather restricted to studies that are directly relevant to the duties and responsibilities of the employee’s current or future role in government service. According to Swamy’s Handbook, such studies must be in the public interest and intended to benefit the government, not merely for the personal advancement of the employee.
The maximum amount of Study Leave admissible during the entire service of a government employee is two years (24 months). However, for employees belonging to the Central Health Services, the limit is extended to 36 months. This leave can be granted either at one stretch or in different spells, but in no case should it exceed the permissible limit mentioned. Importantly, Study Leave can be combined with other kinds of leave, such as Earned Leave or Extraordinary Leave, subject to prior approval from the competent authority.
The eligibility for Study Leave is contingent on the approval of the competent authority, which must be satisfied with the relevance of the proposed study program and its utility for the department. In addition, employees availing Study Leave are required to execute a bond promising to serve the government for a specified period (usually three years) after returning from leave. The format and value of the bond are prescribed and must be submitted along with the leave application.
During Study Leave, the government servant is entitled to leave salary equivalent to the pay last drawn, plus Dearness Allowance (DA) and House Rent Allowance (HRA), if applicable. However, the leave salary does not include any allowances attached to the post held before proceeding on leave. Also, while on Study Leave, employees are not permitted to take up any remunerative work, including employment or teaching, unless specifically allowed by the Government of India. This ensures that the focus remains entirely on the academic pursuit for which the leave was granted.
Swamy’s Handbook makes it clear that no study leave shall be granted for studies that do not directly serve the public interest. Furthermore, Study Leave is not granted for preparing for competitive or departmental examinations, even if they relate to the employee’s job profile. Only programs of studies or training that are likely to benefit the government directly or are relevant to the responsibilities of the government servant will be approved.
If the employee fails to complete the course or does not rejoin duty at the end of the leave, the government reserves the right to recover the entire leave salary paid during the period of study, along with interest as per rules. Therefore, it is essential for the employee to submit proof of course completion and furnish a report on the studies undertaken upon resumption of duty.
The process of applying for Study Leave includes submitting a formal application through the proper channel, along with details of the course, duration, estimated expenditure, justification of relevance, and a bond. The application must be made well in advance to allow sufficient time for scrutiny and sanctioning by the competent authority. Depending on the nature of the course, the Ministry of External Affairs may also need to be consulted if the study is to be undertaken abroad.
Swamy’s Handbook also emphasizes that Study Leave does not count for increment or promotion unless the study program is directly related to the employee’s current post and specifically approved as such. Nevertheless, the period of Study Leave is treated as qualifying service for pension, provided all other conditions are met.
One of the important provisions is that Study Leave is not admissible to temporary government servants or those on probation. Moreover, an employee already under a bond obligation for a previous course or training must complete the earlier bond period before applying for another Study Leave.
To conclude, Study Leave as per Swamy’s Handbook is a significant opportunity for Central Government employees to pursue academic and professional advancement, provided it aligns with the government’s objectives. It reflects the government’s commitment to developing a knowledgeable and skilled workforce capable of meeting contemporary administrative challenges. Employees are encouraged to make judicious use of this provision while adhering strictly to the rules and obligations outlined. With proper planning, approval, and fulfillment of responsibilities, Study Leave can indeed become a powerful tool for both individual growth and national development.
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This blog post is intended for informational purposes only. All rights, references, and credits related to official government service rules and guidelines belong to Swamy’s Publications, the authoritative source on these matters. We acknowledge and extend our courtesy to Swamy’s Publication for their valuable work in compiling and publishing official content. This blog does not claim ownership or authorship of any content originally published by Swamy’s Publications.
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