Government servants in India enjoy different types of leave under the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules. One such type is Commuted Leave, which is essentially a way to convert Half Pay Leave (HPL) into full pay leave under specific conditions.
1. What is Commuted Leave?
- Commuted leave means converting half pay leave into full pay leave.
- When it is granted, two days of HPL are deducted for every one day of commuted leave taken.
- It can normally be availed only on medical grounds, but there are exceptions.
2. Conditions for Granting Commuted Leave
(a) Medical Grounds
- Commuted leave may be granted on production of a medical certificate.
- The leave sanctioning authority must be satisfied that the employee is likely to return to duty after the leave.
Example:
If an employee has 60 days HPL balance and applies for 30 days commuted leave on medical grounds, the leave account will be debited with 60 days HPL (2:1 ratio).
(b) For Study Purposes
- Up to 180 days of HPL can be commuted into full pay leave without a medical certificate, if:
- The leave is for pursuing an approved course of study.
- The course is certified to be in public interest by the leave sanctioning authority.
(c) In Case of Resignation or Voluntary Retirement
If a government servant:
- Resigns after availing commuted leave, or
- Takes voluntary retirement without returning to duty,
👉 Then the commuted leave will be converted back into half pay leave, and the excess salary drawn (difference between full pay and half pay) will be recovered.
Exception:
- No recovery is made if:
- The employee retires due to ill health, or
- The employee dies while in service.
(d) Even if Earned Leave is Available
- Commuted leave can be granted even when Earned Leave (EL) is due, if the employee requests it.
- This gives flexibility for medical or study-related leave planning.
3. Maximum Limit of Commuted Leave
- There is no fixed yearly limit, but the total commuted leave in service cannot exceed what is available in the form of HPL.
- For study purposes, a maximum of 180 days commuted leave is allowed.
4. Key Differences Between HPL and Commuted Leave
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Aspect
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Half Pay Leave (HPL)
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Commuted Leave
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|
Pay
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Half salary
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Full salary
|
|
Debit from Leave Account
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1 day HPL = 1 day leave
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1 day Commuted = 2 days HPL deducted
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|
When granted
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For personal or medical grounds
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Primarily medical grounds, or for study in public interest
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|
Limit
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20 days per year credited
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Based on HPL balance, max 180 days for study
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Risk
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None
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Salary recovery if resign/retire without resuming duty (except ill health/death)
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5. Practical Example
- Suppose an employee has 120 days of HPL.
- He applies for 40 days commuted leave on medical grounds.
- His salary will be on full pay for 40 days, but his HPL account will reduce by 80 days.
- Balance HPL after leave = 40 days.
6. Key Takeaways
- Commuted leave = HPL converted into full pay leave.
- 2 HPL = 1 Commuted Leave.
- Allowed on medical grounds or for approved study courses (up to 180 days).
- If resignation/voluntary retirement occurs without resuming duty, salary recovery applies.
- Safer to use commuted leave when certain of returning to duty.
