In a move aimed at providing greater flexibility to its workforce, the state of Sikkim in India has unveiled an innovative sabbatical leave program for its regular government employees. This scheme empowers employees to embark on up to three years of leave while receiving 50 percent of their basic pay. The initiative is designed to enable individuals to actively pursue their personal ventures and aspirations without the fear of job loss. A recent notification from the state government, as reported by Indian media sources, outlines the key features of this progressive policy.

As per reports by NDTV, the state government has conveyed through a notification that the implementation of sabbatical leave for these employees is a deliberate effort to provide them with a range of opportunities that would typically be inaccessible due to prevailing service regulations.

According to information provided in a notification, the state government has introduced a sabbatical leave scheme, granting eligible regular state government employees an opportunity for extended leave while maintaining job security. The scheme allows employees to take sabbatical leave for a minimum of 365 days, which can be extended to a maximum of 1,080 days, limited to a single instance throughout their entire service period.

To qualify for this scheme, interested employees must have completed at least five years of continuous service, the notification emphasized. Additionally, it was highlighted that individuals on sabbatical leave could be requested to return to their duties by the Sikkim government, provided that such a step is deemed essential for the state's interests. This request would be made with a one-month notice period.

However, the sabbatical leave initiative comes with certain eligibility criteria and exceptions. The scheme, as stated in the state government's notification, is not applicable to government employees serving as members of the All India Service or those deputed to the state government from the central government, other state governments' Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), boards, and centrally sponsored schemes.

Furthermore, the scheme excludes employees who are undergoing departmental inquiries or facing pending vigilance cases, as well as those placed under suspension—unless their cases are resolved. The eligibility also extends to the financial aspect, whereby regular government employees who have availed bank loans, subject to salary deductions, may not be eligible for the scheme if the 50 percent reduction in their monthly pay during the leave period fails to cover their Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs).

Through this innovative move, the Sikkim state government aims to facilitate a balance between employee aspirations and service commitments, granting them an opportunity to pursue personal interests while maintaining their ties to the government sector.

Image source: IndiaTodayNE