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The Gujarat state government has announced 20 sick days and 15 special leaves for academic and non-academic fixed salary employees of Grant-in-Aid institutions. The decision will benefit employees working in 357 such institutions across the state.
Gujarat Education Minister Rishikesh Patel stated that a total of 1,282 employees—comprising 1,167 academic and 115 non-academic staff—will benefit from this decision. The sick leave provision applies to academic and non-academic fixed salary employees working in non-government aided colleges.
As per the new rules, employees will be eligible for 10 days of fully paid or 20 days of half-paid medical leave in a year, based on a valid medical certificate. These leaves can be availed in cases of serious illness or accident involving the employee or their family members. Additionally, sick leave accumulated during the fixed salary tenure can be carried forward even after regular appointment.
Furthermore, non-vacational non-academic fixed salary employees of Grant-in-Aid institutions will be entitled to 15 special leaves. However, these special leaves cannot be carried forward once the employee receives a regular appointment.
The Gujarat government has recently taken a significant step to uplift the welfare of fixed‑salary academic and non‑academic staff in grant‑in‑aid educational institutions. A cabinet decision now entitles these employees to enhanced medical and special leave provisions—bringing them closer in line with regular government staff. This policy, unveiled in early August 2025, signals a renewed emphasis on staff well‑being and institutional parity.
Key Highlights of the Leave Policy
Who Benefits: The policy extends to 1,282 fixed‑pay employees—1,167 academic and 115 non‑academic staff—across 357 grant‑in‑aid institutions in Gujarat The Times of IndiaDeshGujarat.
Medical Leave Entitlement: Employees may now avail 10 full‑pay or 20 half‑pay sick leaves per year, contingent upon presenting a valid medical certificate. These leaves apply to illness or injury affecting either the employee or an immediate family member The Times of IndiaDeshGujaratIndia Today.
Carry‑Forward of Sick Leave: Importantly, sick leave accrued during the fixed‑pay tenure can be carried forward once the employee transitions to a regular post The Times of IndiaDeshGujarat.
Special Leave for Non‑Academic Staff: Fixed‑pay non‑academic (non‑vacational) employees receive 15 special leave days annually, aligning with entitlements of regular personnel. However, these special leaves cannot be carried forward post-regularization The Times of IndiaDeshGujaratIndia Today.
Why This Matters
Before this policy, fixed‑pay staff—often on contract or temporary terms—had limited access to formal leave benefits, creating disparities and potential hardships. With the new provisions, Gujarat takes a meaningful step toward bridging the gap:
Promoting Equity: By extending leave privileges to fixed‑pay staff, the state recognizes their contributions and rights alongside regular employees.
Supporting Health & Well‑Being: The flexible sick leave provisions offer essential support during health crises—either personal or familial.
Smoother Transition: Allowing sick leave to carry forward upon regularization provides continuity and reduces leave-related disruptions during status upgrades.
Enhancing Morale: This move is expected to boost morale, reduce absenteeism anxiety, and foster trust among educators and institutional staff.
Voices from the Field
On social platforms, fixed‑pay staff have long voiced frustrations over disparities. On Reddit, one user shared the gap in treatment vividly:
“Older staff or those on full salary seem to receive preferential treatment… when I was sick and requested casual leave (CL), the principal kept making excuses…” Reddit
This policy directly addresses such inequities by formalizing leave rights universally, regardless of pay structure.
Looking Ahead
For implementation, institutions will need to update HR manuals and communicate clearly to all staff—both fixed‑pay and regular. Documentation processes must be streamlined to certify medical cases and administer special leave efficiently.
Moreover, as fixed‑pay staff enter regular positions, human resources departments should ensure sick leave balances are accurately transitioned.
In a broader context, this reform signals Gujarat’s commitment to inclusive workplace policies in the education sector—a trend that may well influence other states to consider similar measures.
Conclusion
The Gujarat government’s Aug 2025 decision to grant 20 sick leave days (either 10 full‑pay or 20 half‑pay) and 15 special leave days to fixed‑pay academic and non‑academic staff marks a pivotal advancement in equitable employment practices. By valuing staff health, streamlining transitions to regular status, and narrowing systemic disparities, the state has set a strong example of inclusive policy design.
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