Sikkim Government Introduces Sabbatical Leave for Temporary and Regular Employees

The Department of Personnel, Government of Sikkim, has officially introduced a Sabbatical Leave scheme applicable to both regular and temporary state government employees. The policy, aimed at providing extended leave opportunities while maintaining the continuity of public services, was announced via a circular dated April 7, 2025.

According to the circular, the Sabbatical Leave policy was formalized through Notifications issued on August 14, 2023, which detail the eligibility criteria, terms, and conditions. The circular also outlines the delegation of authority for approving such leave.

Heads of Departments (HoDs) are authorized to approve Sabbatical Leave for employees in Groups ‘C’ and ‘D’, including all temporary staff, in accordance with Notification No. 40 dated April 7, 2025. For employees in Groups ‘A’ and ‘B’, the Secretary of the Department of Personnel is the designated approving authority, as per Notification No. 41 issued on the same date.

All HoDs are instructed to strictly adhere to the conditions specified in Annexure I of the original notifications dated August 14, 2023. These conditions are outlined under Notification Nos. F(106)105/GEN/DOP and F(106)106/GEN/DOP.

Temporary employees become eligible for Sabbatical Leave after completing a minimum of six months of service. The government has emphasized the importance of maintaining sufficient staffing levels during periods when employees are on leave, to ensure the smooth functioning of all departments.

For temporary employees who have since been regularised, eligibility for Sabbatical Leave will be governed by Notification No. 100/GEN/DOP dated June 2, 2022, and its subsequent amendments. These individuals may also be permitted to utilize leave accrued during their temporary service period, subject to the same conditions.

Employees are required to apply for Sabbatical Leave well in advance. No employee may proceed on leave without prior approval and the issuance of a formal office order.