Srinagar, Jul 19: The government on Tuesday issued a circular regarding grant of permission to government employees for pursuing higher studies through distance/online mode without availing study leave and said that grant of permission in this regard can be decided by the concerned administrative secretary.
“In terms of rule 61 to 73 of the J&K Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1979, the employees of Government of Jammu and Kashmir are granted study leave for pursuing special course in a professional or technical subject, having a direct and close connection with sphere of their duties, initially for a period of one year and maximum for a period of three years during their entire service. It has been observed that various cases are being referred to the Finance Department for seeking opinion with regard to granting of Permission to Government employees who want to pursue higher studies through distance/online mode without availing study leave. The issue has been examined and need has been felt to issue a general advisory for information/guidance of all the Departments,” read a circular issued by Vivek Bharadwaj, Financial Commissioner ( Additional Chief Secretary) Finance Department.
It said that there can be no objection to the pursuit of knowledge by government employees in leisure hours. “But this must be subject to condition that such pursuit does in no way detract the employees from their efficiency. Wherever found necessary, the administrative authorities may require that employees under their control should take prior permission before joining educational institutions or courses of studies for University Degrees.
“Generally, permission is to be granted but with a view to deal with cases where it is noticed that the government servant has been neglecting his duties for sake of his studies, a condition may be attached that the permission may be withdrawn at any moment without assigning any reason. This will, of course, be without prejudice to any other departmental action being taken where mere withdrawal of the permission is not considered adequate,” the circular said.
It said that the cases involving grant of permission to the employees for higher studies through distance/online mode without availing of study leave would be decided by the concerned administrative department.
It, however, said that the permission is subject to the conditions that the employee would pursue a study course before and after the normal working hours of the office and holidays. “If at any stage, it is found that the employee has been neglecting his duties for sake of his studies, the permission shall be withdrawn at any moment without assigning any reasons besides inviting disciplinary action, the permission shall not entitle him to claim leave either for preparation or for the duration of the examination and that leave, if any, required for the purpose will be sanctioned subject to its admissibility and also administrative interest, in terms of relevant rules and the University/Institute as well as the course is recognized,” it said.