In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on July 25, 2025, Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh reaffirmed that Central Government (CG) employees are entitled to 30 days of earned leave (EL) each year.
This may be used for any personal reason, including providing care for elderly parents.
This clarification comes amid growing concerns about work-life balance and the increasing need for elder care support among government employees.
Jitendra’s statement was made during the Monsoon Session in response to a query regarding leave provisions for caregiving duties.
Leave Provisions Under Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972
The leave entitlements are governed by the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, which outline various categories available to CG employees.
These include:
- 30 days of EL per year
- 20 days of Half Pay Leave (HPL)
- 8 days of CL
- 2 days of Restricted Holidays (RH)
In addition to these, employees may also be eligible for:
- Commuted Leave
- Leave Not Due
- Extraordinary Leave
- Maternity and Paternity Leave
- Child Care Leave
- Study Leave
- Special Disability Leave
- Hospital Leave
- Departmental Leave
- Seamen’s Sick Leave
Jitendra emphasized that EL and other personal leave categories can be used for elder care, even though there is no separate or exclusive category for this purpose.
Addressing Elder Care Responsibilities
Many employees face challenges in balancing professional duties with caregiving responsibilities, and they view the minister’s clarification as a timely reaffirmation of their existing rights.
Organizations have not introduced a new policy, but they have reiterated existing provisions under the CCS Rules to provide greater visibility and reassurance to employees seeking time off for family care.
Jitendra stated, “The Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972 provide for EL and other types that may be availed for personal reasons, including the care of elderly parents.”
Applicability and Exceptions
It is important to note that the CCS (Leave) Rules do not apply to certain categories of government employees, such as:
- Railway employees
- Casual or part-time workers
- Members of the All India Services
These groups are governed by separate service regulations.
The CCS Rules apply primarily to non-gazetted and gazetted officers in ministries and departments under the Central Government.
Leave Accounting and Usage
Organizations credit EL to employees’ accounts twice a year—on January 1 and July 1—and debit it when availed.
Organizations do not debit some special types of leave, such as maternity or hospital leave, from the account.
The government periodically issues executive instructions to regulate CL and restricted holidays.
This structured framework allows employees to plan their time off while ensuring continuity of public services.
Public and Administrative Response
Employee unions and administrative bodies have welcomed the clarification and regard it as a positive step toward recognizing caregiving needs within the workforce.
Organizations view the existing flexibility under EL provisions as sufficient for most cases, even though they have not indicated any plans for a new elder care category.
Policy experts suggest that future reforms could consider dedicated elder care leave, especially as demographic shifts increase the demand for family support among working professionals.
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