In a major employee welfare initiative, the Himachal Pradesh government has approved payment of full salary to state employees pursuing higher education while on study leave, replacing the earlier provision under which employees received only 40 percent of their basic pay along with Dearness Allowance (DA) and House Rent Allowance (HRA).
The decision follows an amendment to Rule 56 of the CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972, and fulfills a commitment announced by CM Sukhu in the 2026-27 Budget.
Under the revised policy, government employees undertaking higher studies during service will now be entitled to 100 percent of their salary throughout the study leave period. The benefit will also be extended retrospectively, with employees who had availed study leave under the previous rules receiving the balance amount due to them.
The government said the move reflects its employee-centric approach and recognizes the importance of higher education and skill enhancement in improving administrative efficiency and public service delivery.
To avail the benefit, employees will be required to submit an undertaking confirming that they are not receiving any scholarship, stipend, or remuneration from part-time employment during the period of study.
The state government noted that a similar provision restoring full salary during study leave for allopathy doctors pursuing higher and specialized courses at premier medical institutions had yielded positive results by strengthening healthcare services.
Chief Minister Sukhu said the government remains committed to the welfare of its workforce and highlighted the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for 1.36 lakh NPS employees soon after the present government assumed office.
He added that the enhanced study leave benefits would encourage employees to pursue advanced education and professional training, ultimately leading to better quality governance and improved public services across the state.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
