Extraordinary Leave for Government Servants: A Complete Guide

Life can be unpredictable. Sometimes, a government servant may need leave for reasons that are not covered by earned leave, half pay leave, or casual leave. In such situations, the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules allow a special type of leave called Extraordinary Leave.

      Extraordinary Leave is always without pay. It ensures that a government servant can remain absent from duty during emergencies or special circumstances without losing their position.

1. When Can Extraordinary Leave Be Granted?

Extraordinary Leave may be granted to a government servant (other than a military officer) under the following circumstances:

1. When no other leave is admissible, for example, when all earned leave and half pay leave balances are exhausted.
2. When other leave is available, but the government servant submits a written request specifically seeking extraordinary leave.

Illustration: Mr. A has used up all his earned leave and half pay leave. His father requires extended medical care. Mr. A applies for extraordinary leave, which may be granted because no other leave is available.

2. Maximum Limits of Extraordinary Leave

Extraordinary Leave is not unlimited. The duration allowed depends on the employee’s service status and the reason for leave:

a. General Rule for Non-Permanent Employees

• A maximum of three months on a single occasion.

b. Medical Grounds for Employees with One Year of Continuous Service

• A maximum of six months, provided the leave application is supported by a valid medical certificate.

c. Treatment of Serious Illnesses for Employees with One Year of Continuous Service

• A maximum of eighteen months for treatment of:
  1. Pulmonary tuberculosis or pleurisy of tubercular origin, either in a recognized sanatorium or at residence under a recognized tuberculosis specialist.
  2. Tuberculosis in other parts of the body, certified by a qualified tuberculosis specialist, civil surgeon, or staff surgeon.
  3. Leprosy, in a recognized institution or under a qualified civil surgeon, staff surgeon, or leprosy specialist.
  4. Cancer or mental illness, treated in an institution recognized for such diseases.

Illustration: Ms. B, who has two years of service, is diagnosed with cancer. She may be granted up to eighteen months of extraordinary leave to undergo treatment in a recognized hospital.

d.  Higher Studies in the Public Interest for Employees with Three Years of Continuous Service

• A maximum of twenty-four months, if the leave is required for studies certified to be in the public interest.

Illustration: Mr. C, an engineer with five years of service, is selected for a government-approved advanced course in renewable energy abroad. He can get up to twenty-four months of extraordinary leave to pursue this course.

3. Bond Requirement for Studies

If extraordinary leave is granted for higher studies, the employee must sign a bond undertaking stating:

1. They will serve the government for at least three years after returning to duty.
2. If the employee does not return or quits early, they must refund the total expenditure incurred by the government or any other agency, along with interest.
3. The bond must be supported by two sureties from permanent government servants with comparable or higher status.

Illustration: Ms. D takes extraordinary leave for twenty-four months for government-sponsored training. If she resigns within one year of returning, she must repay all costs associated with the training and leave period.

4. Relaxation for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Employees

• Government servants belonging to Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes may be granted extraordinary leave to attend Pre-Examination Training Courses at centers notified by the government.
• This is allowed even if it exceeds the general limits.

Illustration: An SC candidate working as a clerk needs four months to attend pre-examination training. The Head of Department may grant extraordinary leave beyond the usual three-month limit.

5. Treatment of Multiple Spells of Extraordinary Leave

• If a government servant takes two separate spells of extraordinary leave, separated by another type of leave, the two spells are considered one continuous period for the purpose of calculating maximum allowed leave.

Illustration: Mr. E takes three months of extraordinary leave, followed by fifteen days of half pay leave, and then another two months of extraordinary leave. This is treated as five months of continuous extraordinary leave.

6. Conversion of Unauthorized Absence into Extraordinary Leave

• If a government servant is absent without prior sanction, the competent authority may retrospectively convert such absence into extraordinary leave.

Illustration: Ms. F could not attend office for twenty days due to personal reasons and did not get prior sanction. Later, the authority converts this period into extraordinary leave, protecting her from disciplinary action.

7. Key Takeaways

• Extraordinary Leave is without pay, granted in special circumstances.
• Can be granted when no leave is available or upon request despite available leave.
• Maximum duration:
  • Three months for general non-permanent employees.
  • Six months on medical grounds with one year of continuous service.
  • Eighteen months for treatment of serious illnesses.
  • Twenty-four months for higher studies in the public interest, with three years of service.
• A bond is required if leave is for higher studies.
• SC/ST employees get special relaxation for pre-examination training.
• Multiple spells separated by other leave are considered one continuous leave.
• Unauthorized absence may be retrospectively converted into extraordinary leave.

8. In Simple Words

Extraordinary Leave acts as a safety net for government employees. It does not provide salary but ensures that the employee’s post is secure during emergencies, medical treatment, studies, or other unavoidable circumstances. It is the government’s way of saying:

"Even if we cannot pay you during this period, we will protect your position until you return."