Sikkim has become the first state in India to introduce a Sabbatical Leave Scheme:
Sikkim has become the first state in India to introduce a Sabbatical Leave Scheme for government employees, offering them a unique opportunity for personal and professional development while retaining job security. This progressive policy is aimed at improving workforce well-being, career growth, and administrative efficiency in the state’s governance system.The scheme applies to regular state government employees who have served at least five years continuously. Under the policy, employees can avail of sabbatical leave ranging from 365 days to a maximum of 1,080 days.
- Employees will receive 50% of their basic pay during the leave period.
- Seniority is preserved, ensuring smooth continuity in their service records.
- The government retains the right to recall employees with a one-month notice, if required.
- This balance between flexibility for employees and safeguards for the government makes the scheme a model for employee-friendly governance.
