Sikkim becomes 1st state to launch Sabbatical Leave scheme for govt staff

📰 Sikkim: 1st Indian State to Introduce Sabbatical Leave Scheme (2023)

🗓️ Launched: August 2023

📍 State: Sikkim

🎯 Objective: Empower government staff (permanent & temporary) with opportunities for personal/professional growth, entrepreneurship, and skill enhancement.

🏛️ Key Features of the Scheme

• ✅ Eligibility (Regular Employees):
  • Minimum 5 years of continuous service.
  • Can avail 365 to 1,080 days (i.e., up to 3 years) of Sabbatical Leave.
  • 50% of basic pay during the leave period.
  • Seniority preserved; no break in service.
  • Govt can recall employees with a 1-month notice.
• ✅ Eligibility (Temporary Employees):
  • Eligible after 6 months of continuous service.
  • Same pay and service protection terms.

🔧 Recent Policy Enhancements (April 2025)

• 🧾 Decentralised Approval:
  • Group A & B: Approval by Secretary, Personnel Dept.
  • Group C & D (including temp staff): Approval by respective Heads of Department (HoD).

🧑‍💼 Impact

• Boosted morale and flexibility in the workforce.
• Hundreds of youth used the scheme to launch startups or pursue higher education/training.
• Promotes a progressive administrative model for other states.
  
  📅 Updated by: August 1, 2025 6:53 AM
  🗞 Source: NewsOnAir