In a landmark move, the Indian government has approved 42 additional paid leave days annually for central government employees, effective from July 1, 2025. This revised leave structure aims to improve mental health, work-life balance, and employee satisfaction. The initiative follows months of review by administrative committees and employee welfare boards.
Key Highlights of the New Leave Policy
- Total Additional Leave: 42 days
- Effective Date: July 1, 2025
- Applies To: Group A, B, and C central govt employees
- Leave Categories Include: Mental wellness, family care, academic leave, and more
- Status: Fully paid, no impact on earned or casual leave
Why the Change Was Introduced
The decision follows:
- Post-COVID mental health reports
- Increased burnout and attrition rates
- Push from employee unions and Pay Commission reviews
- Global trends encouraging better HR practices
Detailed Breakdown of the New Leave Categories
| Leave Type | Days | Purpose | Eligibility | Paid | Carry Forward |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mental Wellness Leave | 10 | Therapy, rest, mental well-being | All employees | Yes | No |
| Family Care Leave | 8 | Care for spouse, parents, or children | All employees | Yes | Yes (2 yrs max) |
| Bereavement Leave | 5 | Death of immediate family member | All employees | Yes | No |
| Health Check Leave | 6 | Preventive medical checkups | All employees | Yes | No |
| Wellness Retreat Leave | 5 | Yoga, meditation, wellness retreats | Group A & B only | Yes | No |
| Child Academic Leave | 4 | Attend school events and exams | Parents only | Yes | Yes (1 yr max) |
| Volunteer Service Leave | 2 | Work with NGOs, social impact | All employees | Yes | No |
| Emergency Personal Leave | 2 | Sudden personal or family issues | All employees | Yes | No |
These leave days supplement, not replace, existing leave entitlements like EL, CL, or ML.
Who is Eligible?
| Employee Category | Total Extra Leave | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | 42 Days | Eligible for all leave types |
| Group B | 42 Days | Not eligible for Volunteer Leave |
| Group C | 38 Days | Excludes Retreat and Volunteer Leave |
| Contractual | 24 Days | No Academic or Retreat Leave |
| Probationers | 20 Days | Limited to 3 leave types only |
| Retiring Soon | Pro-rata Basis | Based on remaining months of service |
How to Apply for These Leaves
Applications must be made via the e-Leave Portal or SPARROW system. The new leaves are listed under a dedicated “Wellness & Special Leaves” tab.
Application Process:
- Log in to the e-Leave Portal
- Select the appropriate leave type under new categories
- Upload relevant documents (if applicable)
- Submit for approval
Required Documents:
- Mental Leave: Therapist note (if any)
- Family Care: Doctor’s certificate
- Health Check: Medical report or appointment slip
- Academic Leave: School circular or invite
- Volunteer Leave: NGO certification
Public & Expert Reactions
Employee Views:
- “Mental health is finally being recognized.” – S. Gupta, Secretariat
- “Child leave is helpful for working parents.” – R. Menon, IT Dept
HR Analysts:
- “This aligns Indian govt HR with global standards.”
- “It’s a progressive shift toward holistic employee wellness.”
Government vs Private & Global Leave Policies
| Sector/Country | Annual Leaves | Mental/Wellness | Family Care | Paid Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Govt (2025) | 42 (Add-on) | Yes | Yes | Fully Paid |
| Indian Private | 25-30 avg | Rare | Limited | Mostly Paid |
| UK | 28-35 | Yes | Yes | Paid |
| Australia | 30+ | Yes | Yes | Paid |
| Germany | 30+ | Yes | Yes | Paid |
India’s central government now joins the league of global progressive employers prioritizing employee well-being.
What to Expect Next
Departments are expected to roll out the policy through internal HR notifications and circulars. Employees are advised to follow updates from DoPT and their department portals for real-time info.
This policy shift is more than just numbers—it’s a signal of changing administrative culture. Employees should leverage the opportunity responsibly and stay informed about updates.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.