Understanding Casual Leave in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: A Comprehensive Guide

Casual Leave (CL) is a provision designed to allow government servants to be absent from duty for short periods under special circumstances. This leave offers flexibility for employees to address personal matters without jeopardizing their work commitments.

Concept of Casual Leave

Casual Leave is essentially a concession granted to government employees to take time off from work when needed, providing a structured way to manage absences while maintaining operational efficiency.

Authority and Guidelines

The framework for Casual Leave is outlined in Instructions 1 to 6 of Annexure VII (Executive instructions regarding Casual Leave) of the Andhra Pradesh Fundamental and Subsidiary Rules, as stated in Ruling 4 of FR 85. These guidelines help ensure that the leave is used appropriately and managed effectively.

Admissibility

Casual Leave is available to all temporary and permanent government employees, making it an essential aspect of employee welfare.

Crediting and Accounting

1. Credit Days: Employees are entitled to 15 days of Casual Leave per calendar year (G.O.Ms.No.52, GAD(Poll.B) Dept., Dt.04.02.81).
2. Proportional Credit: For those appointed mid-year, Casual Leave is credited proportionately.
3. Record Keeping: A register of Casual Leave should be maintained to track usage.

Procedure for Availing Casual Leave

1. Prior Permission: Employees must seek prior approval to take Casual Leave.
2. In-Charge Arrangement: An in-charge must be designated to handle responsibilities during the employee’s absence.
3. Notification: Heads of Departments (HODs) should inform the concerned department in government about the leave.
4. Combination with Other Leave: Casual Leave can be combined with Other Holidays (OH), Public Holidays (PH), and Special Casual Leave (SCL).
5. Exclusions: It cannot be combined with other leave types, vacations, or joining time.
6. Half-Day Leave: A half-day of Casual Leave may be taken from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM or from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
7. Discretion for Temporary Employees: For temporary employees, the sanctioning authority has discretion over granting leave based on the length of service (G.O.Ms.No.999, Fin., Dt.30.05.1959).
8. Attendance Penalty: For every three instances of late attendance, one Casual Leave day will be deducted upon permission (G.O.Ms.No.574, GAD(ser-c) Dept., dt.3-7-71).

Limitations

1. Maximum Absence: The total period of absence from duty should not exceed 10 days.
2. Annual Limit: An officer is not entitled to take the full amount of Casual Leave in a single year (G.O.Ms.No.2465, Fin., Dt.23.12.1959; G.O.Ms.No.2094, Fin., Dt.22.04.1960).
3. Frequent Use: Employees should avoid frequent availing of Casual Leave or holidays.
4. No Carry Forward: Any unused balance of Casual Leave will not carry forward to the next calendar year.

Sanctioning Authority

The Head of Office is designated as the authority responsible for sanctioning Casual Leave.

Effect of Casual Leave

Casual Leave is treated as duty for all official purposes, ensuring that the employee’s absence does not adversely affect their standing or entitlements within the organization.

By adhering to these guidelines, government employees can effectively manage their time away from work while ensuring that operational needs are met.

Special Casual Leave for Government Employees

Special Casual Leave (SCL) is a unique provision designed to provide government servants with the flexibility to address specific personal and family needs without the need for regular leave. This concession allows employees to be absent from duty for short periods under defined circumstances, promoting both their welfare and efficiency at work.

Concept of Special Casual Leave

The concept of SCL serves as a concession granted to government employees in special situations where their presence is required elsewhere. This could be for personal matters, health-related issues, or significant obligations, all while ensuring that work responsibilities are maintained.

Authority and Guidelines

The guidelines for SCL are laid out in the Andhra Pradesh Fundamental and Subsidiary Rules, specifically under Instructions 7 to 10 of Annexure-VII (Executive instructions regarding Casual Leave) and Ruling 4 of FR 85. These instructions detail the circumstances under which SCL can be granted, emphasizing the need for proper documentation and adherence to regulations.

Admissibility

Special Casual Leave is available to all temporary and permanent government employees, making it a widely applicable provision.

Key Situations for SCL

1. Legal Obligations: Employees summoned to provide testimony in court cases where their personal interest is not involved can avail of SCL. This ensures they can fulfill civic duties without the stress of work commitments.
2. Family Planning Operations: Specific allowances are made for employees undergoing or assisting in family planning operations. For example:
   • Vasectomy (Male): Up to 14 days can be availed for post-operative recovery (G.O.Ms.No.124 F&P dt:13-4-82).
   • Tubectomy (Female): Similar allowances apply, with extended provisions for complications (G.O.Ms.No.275 F&P (FW FR-I) Dept.dt.15-05-81).
   • Intrauterine Devices: Employees can take leave for insertion and reinsertion, highlighting the government’s recognition of health needs (G.O.Ms.No.128 F&P dt:13-4-82).
3. Post-Operative Complications: Employees facing complications from procedures like vasectomy or tubectomy are entitled to additional leave, demonstrating a supportive approach to employee health (G.O.Ms.No.275 F&P (FW FR-I) Dept.dt.15-05-81).

Sports and Cultural Engagement

Special Casual Leave also covers participation in sports and cultural activities, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting physical fitness and cultural engagement among employees.

1. National and International Sporting Events: Employees can apply for up to 30 days of leave to participate in significant sporting events (G.O.Ms.No.295 Fin FR-I Dept.dt.14-09-1964), fostering a spirit of competition and teamwork.
2. Cultural Activities: Employees involved in recognized cultural events, such as drama or other performances, may receive leave to engage fully in these activities (G.O.Ms.No.360, F&P, dt.24.12.1980).
3. Scouting and Adventure Activities: Participation in approved trekking expeditions or events organized by the Bharat Scouts and Guides is also supported under SCL provisions (G.O.Ms.No.112 Fin, dt.22-07-69).

Recruitment and Military Service

Special Casual Leave is also granted for those participating in recruitment processes for the Territorial Army or Auxiliary Air Force, emphasizing the government’s acknowledgment of civic duty and commitment to national service (G.O.Ms.No.270 F&P FWFR-I Dept., dt.30-06-1976).

Administration and Discretion

It is important to note that the competent authority has the discretion to grant or deny SCL based on government exigencies (G.O.Ms.No.390 Fin, dt.26-11-64). This ensures that while employees are supported in their personal and professional endeavors, the operational needs of the government remain a priority.

Special Provisions

Leave provisions are crucial in ensuring the well-being of government employees in Andhra Pradesh. Beyond the standard Casual Leave (CL) and Special Casual Leave (SCL), there are several special provisions designed to address unique situations. This blog post explores these special provisions, including leave for blood donation, observance of International Women’s Day, and compensatory holidays.

Special Provisions for Leave

Leave for Blood Donation

Government employees are encouraged to contribute to society through blood donation. To facilitate this, employees are entitled to 1 day of Special Casual Leave (SCL) on the day of donation, provided they present a medical certificate. This initiative, established under G.O.Ms.No.137, M&H (EL) Dept., dt. 23.02.1984, emphasizes the importance of health and community service.

International Women’s Day

In recognition of the contributions and empowerment of women, female government employees can avail 1 day of SCL on March 8th, celebrating International Women’s Day. This provision, outlined in G.O. Ms. No.433, GAD(SW-II) Dept. dt. 04-08-10, highlights the government’s commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s rights in the workplace.

Leave Due to Infectious Diseases

If an employee’s household is affected by certain infectious diseases—such as smallpox, plague, cholera, typhoid, acute influenza pneumonia, diphtheria, cerebrospinal meningitis, or measles—they may avail of up to 21 days of SCL on presenting a medical certificate. This period can be extended to 30 days under certain conditions. However, it’s essential to note that this provision was rescinded in G.O.Ms.No.10 F&P(FR I), dt. 24.01.1992, indicating the evolving nature of health-related leave policies.

Compensatory Casual leave (CCL)

Concept and Context

Compensatory CLs are concessions for government servants required to work on public (G.O.Ms.No.917, Madras Public Dept., Dt.16.09.1902) or optional holidays (G.O.Ms.No.528, G.A.D, Dt.26.04.1961). This provision acknowledges the extra effort of employees called to duty when they typically have time off (G.O.Ms.No.2036, Madras Public(Pol-B)Dept., Dt.11.08.1952).

Eligibility and Crediting

1. Eligibility: All temporary and permanent employees are eligible for compensatory holidays.
2. Maximum Duration: Employees can receive a maximum of 7 days of compensatory holidays, or a lower number at the discretion of the Head of Office (as per Memo. No.36/58-1, G.A.(Pol-B) Dept., dt. 06.01.1958).
3. Effect: These holidays are treated as duty for all purposes, ensuring that employees do not lose out on their rights due to unexpected work demands.

Availing Compensatory Holidays

1. Prior Permission: Employees must seek permission before taking compensatory holidays.
2. Combination with Other Leaves: Compensatory holidays can be combined with Casual Leave, Regular Leave, or public holidays.
3. Limitations: Employees are limited to 10 compensatory holidays in a calendar year. Additionally, if the holiday pertains to a religious observance, efforts should be made not to call employees belonging to that religion to duty (G.O.Ms.No.917, Madras Public Dept.,Dt.16.09.1902). Govt. servant touring on public holidays in connection with the performance of his duties is not eligible for this concession (Memo No.13112, Accts / 67-2, Dt.01.03.1958).
4. Time Frame: Compensatory holidays must be availed within 6 months of working on the holiday (G.O.Ms.No.942, Public, dt. 17.10.1903).

Conclusion

Casual Leave and Special Casual Leave are vital components of service benefits for government employees in Andhra Pradesh. Understanding the rules, procedures, and limitations surrounding these leaves ensures that employees can manage their work-life balance effectively while adhering to government regulations. Whether for personal emergencies or special occasions, these leave provisions aim to support employees in their duties while accommodating their individual needs.