The Government of Himachal Pradesh has introduced notable changes to the administration of study leave for government officers and employees. The changes come into effect following the amendments in the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972.
These revisions include a 60 per cent reduction in salary during the study leave period. This also includes additional deductions applicable if the employee receives any form of scholarship, stipend, or other remuneration while on foreign assignments.
Under the updated rules, government employees on study leave, whether within India or abroad, will now receive a ‘leave salary’ equivalent to 40 per cent of their last drawn pay prior to their leave. This salary will include Dearness Allowance (DA) and House Rent Allowance (HRA). Should the employee receive any supplementary income such as scholarships or part-time earnings, their leave salary will be adjusted accordingly, though it will not fall below the amount payable during half-pay leave.
Another key procedural change has also been introduced, centralising the authority to approve study leave requests exclusively within the Finance Department. Previously, this responsibility was distributed among various administrative departments.
These amendments mark a shift towards more stringent regulations on study leave, emphasising financial discipline and centralised control. Government employees affected by these rules should prepare to comply with the revised salary structure and new approval process overseen by the Finance Department.