Govt announces two days of special leave for staff to spend time with ageing parents, parents-in-law

PTC Web Desk: The Assam Government has announced two days of special casual leave in November for its employees to spend time with their parents or parents-in-law, as stated by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) on Thursday.

These special leaves are intended exclusively for family time and cannot be used for personal leisure. Employees without parents or parents-in-law are not eligible for the leave.

"The Assam Government, under the leadership of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, has declared special casual leave for state government employees on November 6 and 8 to spend time with their parents or parents-in-law," the CMO posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The CMO said the leave must be used "solely for spending time with ageing parents or parents-in-law to honour, respect, and care for them, and not for personal enjoyment."

Employees can take these special leaves in conjunction with the holiday for Chhath Puja on November 7, the second Saturday holiday on November 9, and Sunday on November 10, allowing for an extended break.

Additionally, the CMO noted that employees in essential services can avail of this leave in a phased manner. Those without parents or parents-in-law are not entitled to the special leave.

This initiative was first announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during his Independence Day speech in 2021, reflecting the government's commitment to family values and the well-being of elderly parents.