Introduction
Earned leave is one of the most valuable service benefits for government employees in Andhra Pradesh. Whether you’re freshly recruited or a long-serving official, awareness of key rules helps you plan leave judiciously and leverage surrender or encashment options when eligible. This post breaks down the latest earned leave regulations and best practices for AP government service.
What Is Earned Leave?
Earned Leave (EL) is paid leave credited to eligible employees for continuous service. It allows an official to take periodic breaks for personal, health, or family needs, without surrendering their salary. EL rules can differ for regular, probationary, temporary, and vacation department staff.
Eligibility and Leave Credit
- Regular Employees: Earn 15 days of leave for every completed half-year of service. Credits are applied on January 1 and July 1 annually.
- Maximum Accumulation: Up to 180 days until June 30, 1983, and 240 days from July 1, 1983, onwards.
- Temporary/Non-Permanent Employees: Eligible for 8 days of earned leave per half-year, with a maximum advance credit of 30 days.
- Vacation Department Employees: Special rules apply—typically, EL is worked out as one-third duty minus 30 days each year (for teachers, 28 days from November 1989).
Rules for Recent Recruits
- Employees who join during a half-year receive earned leave credit proportionate to completed months of service.
- Probationers are eligible for EL accrual after regularization, provided other conditions are met like completion of probation and passing requisite tests.
- Transfers between vacation and non-vacation departments trigger recalculation of earned leave credit according to the new post.
Rules for Existing Officials
- Leave continues to accumulate per service length, and officials transferring or promoted retain previously accrued leave, subject to prescribed limits.
- Leave at credit lapses on retirement, death, or resignation; however, up to 240 days can be encashed on retirement or death.
- No leave of any kind is granted for a continuous period exceeding five years, barring specific government approval.
- Unauthorized absence is treated as ‘dies-non,’ impacting increment, service records, and pension eligibility.
Availment and Surrender Options
- A maximum of 120 days of earned leave may be availed at one time.
- Regular employees (including Class IV staff) can surrender up to 15 days of earned leave each financial year for cash benefit equal to the leave salary for surrendered days.
- Temporary and emergency employees may surrender 15 days after completing 24 months of service.
Leave Surrender and Encashment
- On retirement or death, EL up to 240 days can be encashed in full based on last drawn salary.
- Surrender is allowed annually for 15 days, with cash payment benefits.
- Vacation staff have specific encashment rules based on duty period calculation.
Exceptions and Special Leave Categories
- Disability, study, and maternity leave are sanctioned as per distinct rules and are typically not debited to the earned leave account.
- Child adoption, family planning, and other special cases have additional leave options available under government orders.
How to Apply for Earned Leave
- Applications must clearly state the period, nature of leave, and leave address; medical certificates are mandatory for leave on medical grounds.
- Leave cannot be claimed as a right and is subject to sanctioning authority’s discretion.
- Combining vacation with earned leave must not exceed 120 days.
Appeals and Relaxations
- Appointing authorities decide on leave grants and records. Employees can appeal leave-related orders within 30 days.
- The Governor and Heads of Departments have special powers to relax leave rules where necessary in the public interest or to avoid undue hardship.
Conclusion
Whether you are newly recruited or an existing official, following AP government’s earned leave rules helps secure your rights while ensuring smooth administrative procedures. Regular review of leave credit, correct application submission, and understanding encashment possibilities will safeguard your service interests.
References
Dr. M.C.R.H.R.D. Institute of Andhra Pradesh. (n.d.). Service matters: Compilation on Andhra Pradesh State and Subordinate Service Rules, 1996 and related orders (Latest ed.). Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Government of Andhra Pradesh. (1996). Andhra Pradesh State and Subordinate Service Rules, 1996 (with amendments) (G.O.Ms.No.436, General Administration (Services-D), October 15, 1996). Government of Andhra Pradesh.
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