Leave Encashment Notification 2023: The Government of Punjab, Finance Department, recently issued a notification on 1st June 2023, introducing amended leave rules pertaining to leave encashment.
These revisions bring significant changes to the existing policy, particularly regarding the calculation of leave encashment benefits for employees. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the amended leave rules and their implications for government servants in Punjab.
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Revised/Amended In Leave Encashment Notification 2023
The Governor of Punjab, Finance Department, has issued a notification regarding amendments to the Leave Rules of 1981, effective immediately. The key points of the Leave Encashment Notification 2023 are as follows:
- Amendment in Rule No. 17: The word “refused leave” shall be substituted for the word “leave” in the heading.
- Amendment in Rule No. 1: The expression “lump sum leave pay” shall be replaced with “leave pay equal to the initial pay of the pay scale for the leave refused by the appointing authority.” Additionally, the words “leave on full pay” shall be omitted.
- Amendment in Rule No. 2: The words “on a monthly basis” shall be inserted at the end of the rule.
- Omission of Sub-Rule No. 3 and Sub-Rule No. 4.
- Amendment in Sub-Rule No. 5: The expression “lump sum payments” equal to a period of fewer than 365 days shall be substituted with the expression “enhancement of the leave for the remaining period.”
- Insertion of an Explanation: A new explanation is added, stating that the term “family” shall be defined as per the purpose of family pensions.
- Amendment in Sub-Rule 6: The words “refused leave” shall be substituted for the word “leave” occurring for the first time. Additionally, the phrase “shall be effective from the first day of September 2013” and the words “or opted” shall be omitted. The expression “or, as the case may be, retiring on or after the first day of September 2013” shall also be omitted.
- Amendment in Sub-Rule 6-A: The words “refused LPR” shall be substituted for the words “LPR.”
- Amendment in Sub-Rule 6-B: The words “any kind of leave is granted” shall replace the phrase “leave is granted on account of ill-health supported by Medical Certificate for the performance of ‘Hajj.'”
- Amendment in Sub-Rule 6-C: The words “refused LPR” shall be substituted for the words “LPR.” Furthermore, the words “on the basis of pay and allowances reckonable towards pensions as shown in the last pay certificates of a civil servant” shall be replaced with “equal to the respective initial scale.”
- Insertion of Sub-Rule 7: A new sub-rule (7) is added, stating that a civil servant who desires to encash their refused LPR for a maximum period of 365 days shall submit a written application to the appointing authority at least three months before the commencement of their Leave Preparatory to Retirement (LPR).
- If the request is refused, the civil servant shall be entitled to encash the refused LPR for 365 days, equivalent to the initial pay of the relevant basic pay scale. However, civil servants compulsorily retired shall not be eligible for LPR encashment, and Rule 19 shall be omitted.
Provisions and Applications of Leave Rules
The following provisions and applications are essential to understand the amended leave rules pertaining to leave encashment in Punjab:
- Applicability: These rules are applicable to all government servants who are going to retire on or after 1st June 2033.
- Implementation of “Refused Leave”: Leave encashment will now be implemented as “refused leave” instead of lump sum leave pay.
- Exclusion of Deceased Government Servants: There will be no encashment of leave benefits for government servants who pass away during their service.
- Calculation based on Initial Pay: Encashment will be provided based on the initial stage of the pay scale instead of the last pay drawn.
- No Encashment on Compulsory Retirement: Leave encashment benefits will not be applicable to government servants who are compulsorily retired.
Conclusion
The amended leave rules pertaining to leave encashment in Punjab bring significant changes, primarily focused on the calculation methodology and eligibility criteria. Employees will now receive leave encashment based on their initial basic pay, and the concept of “refused leave” has been introduced.
These changes aim to streamline the process and ensure fair treatment for government servants. It is essential for all concerned employees to familiarize themselves with the amended rules and regulations to make informed decisions regarding their Leave Encashment Notification 2023 benefits.