Govt Grants 42-Day Leave for Organ Donors, 60-Day Maternity Leave for Stillbirth

In a significant welfare-oriented move, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has released a new Office Memorandum summarizing special leave provisions introduced in recent years for Central Government employees. These measures are designed to address compassionate, humanitarian, and health-related scenarios—ranging from organ donation to maternity loss and blood donation.

Here’s a closer look at the highlights of the memorandum dated 08 April 2025.

42 Days Special Casual Leave for Organ Donors

Recognizing the life-saving impact of organ donation, the government has extended Special Casual Leave to a maximum of 42 days for employees who donate organs to another human being.

This initiative goes beyond the earlier provision of 30 days outlined in Appendix-III of CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972.
It aims to promote organ donation among Central Government employees as a public welfare gesture.
Leave is applicable under certain terms and conditions and is seen as a way to both recover from surgery and support donors mentally and physically.

📄 Reference: OM No: A-24011/23/2022-Estt.(Leave) dated 25 April 2023

60 Days Special Maternity Leave for Stillbirth or Child Loss Soon After Birth

To support grieving mothers, DoPT has mandated a 60-day Special Maternity Leave in cases of:

Stillbirth
Death of a child shortly after delivery

This compassionate policy acknowledges the emotional trauma and psychological impact such events can have on the mother and underscores the government’s intent to stand by its employees during moments of personal loss.

📄 Reference: OM No: 13018/1/2021-Estt.(L) dated 2 September 2022

Leave Encashment for Contractual Appointees

The government has extended leave encashment benefits to officers appointed on contract, a move that brings parity between regular and contractual employees to some extent.

Key takeaways:

10 days of earned leave can be encashed at the end of a contract.
Only completed years of service are considered.
Leave encashment availed in earlier appointments is not counted again.

📄 Reference: OM No: 14028/1/2019-Estt.(L) dated 20 June 2019

Casual Leave for Blood Component Donation Up to 4 Times a Year

In another health-oriented provision, Special Casual Leave is now granted for blood component donation (apheresis)—not just whole blood donation.

Employees can now avail this leave up to four times a year.
Applies to donation of platelets, plasma, red cells, and other components.
The leave is subject to specific conditions ensuring the authenticity of the donation.

📄 Reference: OM No: 13020/1/2017-Estt(L) dated 28 December 2017

Reference to Updated Leave Rules

Employees are also encouraged to refer to the latest version of CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972, for complete understanding of all applicable rules and conditions.

📄 Reference: OM No: CCS(Leave) Rules 1972 dated 24 September 2024

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