Here is how a Government employee can get full salary for half-pay leave !

Government employees are entitled to get full pay even when they go on half-pay leaves, provided they fulfil certain health conditions. This article details the rules and orders pertaining to full payment of salary for a government employee who goes on half-pay leaves.

By Manohar Rao Chilappagari

Do you now that a govenment employee can draw full salary, while being on leave which entitles only a half-pay?

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If the employee fulfils one of these conditions. Lets see how it is allowed. The government had issued orders many years ago enabling those suffering from six chronic diseases would be paid full salary for a six-month half-pay leave period. However, not many government employees and teachers seem to be aware of these orders and consequently, they are unable to utilize the facility, which could help them financially in times of a crisis.

Typically, after the regularisation of service, every government employee is credited with 20 days of half-pay leave per year from the date of appointment. These leaves can be availed of for medical or personal reasons. During half-pay leave, only half of the basic salary, dearness allowance, and allowances are paid.

However, if any employee or teacher suffered from tuberculosis, leprosy, cancer, mental illness, heart disease, or kidney disease, they are entitled for a full salary for a six-month half-pay leave period.

Here are more details:

• According to Rule 28B of the Telangana State Leave Rules 1933, NGOs and according to Rule 29B last-grade servants suffering from tuberculosis and leprosy are paid full salary for a six-month half-pay leave period.
• Subsequently, another order No. 188, Finance Department was issued on 30.7.1973, extending the facility to those suffering from cancer and mental illness.
• Similarly, according to Government Order No. 20, Finance and Planning Department, dated 25.1.77, this facility was extended to those suffering from heart disease.
• Later, another Government Order No. 268, Finance and Planning Department, dated 29.10.1991, was issued extending the facility to those suffering from kidney disease.
• According to Government Order No. 388, Finance and Planning Department, dated 6.9.1976, this facility was extended to all regular government employees and teachers irrespective of their salary.

(The author is a retired government officer)