The Himachal Pradesh government has announced a significant enhancement to study leave benefits for state employees. According to reports from Mint, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu confirmed that government employees are now entitled to receive 100% salary while on study leave for higher education, up from the previous 40% cap including dearness allowance (DA) and house rent allowance (HRA). The announcement was made during the state Budget for FY27, with salary being defined as the last draw amount for employees.
The state government has amended Rule 56 of the CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972 to enable this policy shift, as reported by Mint. Employees seeking to avail this benefit must furnish an undertaking stating they are not receiving any scholarship, stipend, or remuneration from part-time employment during the study period. Previous recipients of study leave under the earlier provisions will also be paid the balance due amount of salary as per the revised rules.
According to Mint reports, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized that the enhanced study leave benefit will encourage employees to pursue higher education and acquire advanced skills, ultimately improving the quality and efficiency of services delivered to the people. The government noted that acquiring advanced qualifications and upgrading professional skills through higher studies not only contributes to individual employee growth but also enhances their efficiency and effectiveness in delivering public services.
As reported by Mint, the state government has demonstrated continued commitment to employee welfare by restoring the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for 1.36 lakh NPS employees soon after assuming office. The government is also reviewing dearness allowance and pending arrears for state employees and pensioners, with the Finance Department directed to withdraw notices regarding salary deferment except for the chief minister. Arrears of deferred salary will be released along with full salary next month, while pension arrears for all pensioners aged between 65-70 years will be disbursed next month.
According to Mint reports, the Himachal Pradesh government had earlier restored full salary during study leave for allopathy doctors pursuing higher and specialized courses at premier medical institutions. This latest enhancement reflects the state's broader commitment to employee welfare and professional development, with the government maintaining that funds will be made available to clear all arrears and ensure financial security for its workforce.
