In massive development for the Central Government employees, the Union Government has decided to enhance the leaves as provided under the 7th Pay Commission arrangement. As time passed, a huge amount of attention was being paid to the work-life balance and well-being of employees, with considerations on mounting pressures and changing dimensions of work since post-COVID times.
Main Highlights Of The Announcement
A scheme has been constituted which shall come into being from July 2025, abolishing the existing system of granting five days Special Casual Leave (SCL) to the eligible Central Government employees. The said days will be kept out of the purview of Casual Leave, Earned Leave, and Commuted Leave.
This will be a beneficial exercise for almost 4.5 Crores of Central Government employees spread across departments, including Railway, Defence, Postal, and other administrative services.
With Great Power, The Duty Must Arise.
As per DoPT, the order had been passed after considering all the feedback from employees and unions alike. Many of them had put forth the issues of mounting stress, lack of personal time, and the need to have a more flexible leave system, especially after the pandemic brought a whole new change in how people worked.
The said leave will go toward building the mental health of the people and making them more productive according to international best practices in workforce management.
Eligibility Criteria And Utilization
- All regular Central Government employees are eligible (Groups A, B, and C).
- This leave of five days is special in that it is non-cumulative and must be availed of in the same calendar year.
- It can be used for an employee’s own wellness, family matters, or rest and relaxation, and the employee need not disclose actual or sensitive personal reasons.
- Permission is subject to administrative convenience and workload.
Implementation Of The 7th Pay Commission And Its Impact
Such a step will remain in tune with the overall thrusts under the 7th Pay Commission, which had proposed various employee-welfare measures but most of which were never put into implementation in the first place. By endorsing this leave amendment, the government once again underlines the importance of non-monetary benefits contributing to health and efficiency.
Union Reactions And Expectations In Immediate Future
The trade unions gladly welcomed the decision, calling it a “step in the right direction,” although their call for further reforms continues with demands for greater leave encashment options and better maternity/paternity leave benefits.
Hence, the move could be used as a precedent for the employee-responsive policy reforms under preparation on a broader perspective, with the government anticipating some announcements under the 8th Pay Commission.
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