Assam Government Announces Special Casual Leave for State Employees to Spend Time with Parents

The Assam Government has launched a commendable initiative named “Matri Pitri Vandana,” granting Special Casual Leave to state employees. This initiative aims to enable employees to spend quality time with their parents or parents-in-law, emphasizing the importance of family bonds and elder care.

State employees will be entitled to take this Special Casual Leave on November 6 and November 8 of this year. These dates can be conveniently combined with the Chhath Puja holiday on November 7, the second Saturday off on November 9, and the Sunday break on November 10, providing employees with an extended period to devote to their families.

In an announcement on July 11, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) posted on X: “The Assam Government has announced special casual leave for state government employees on November 6 and 8, 2024, to spend time with their parents or parents-in-law.”

The statement from the CMO emphasized, “This leave is intended exclusively for spending time with elderly parents or parents-in-law to honor, respect, and care for them, not for personal recreation.” This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering family values and ensuring the well-being of elderly citizens.

Furthermore, the announcement clarified that employees working in essential services can take the leave in a staggered manner. This phased approach ensures that essential services remain uninterrupted while allowing employees to benefit from the initiative. It was also noted that those without living parents or parents-in-law are not eligible for this leave, ensuring that the leave serves its intended purpose.

Further details were provided in a government advertisement, which highlighted that the purpose of the leave is to honor, respect, give company, love, and care to aging parents or parents-in-law. The advertisement reiterated that employees in essential services might avail the leave in a phased manner, ensuring minimal disruption to public services. It also stressed that the leave cannot be availed by those who do not have parents or parents-in-law, maintaining the focus on elder care. Moreover, employees are reminded that this leave should not be used for personal enjoyment but solely for spending time with parents.

This initiative has been well-received by the public, as it aligns with traditional values of respecting and caring for one’s elders. It also serves as a reminder of the crucial role that family plays in the social fabric of Assam.

The state government’s effort to implement “Matri Pitri Vandana” reflects a broader societal commitment to elder care and family welfare. By allowing employees to take time off specifically for this purpose, the government is not only providing a benefit to its employees but also setting an example for other organizations and states to follow.

For more information and to apply for this special leave, employees can visit the official website at matripitrivandana.assam.gov.in, as per the announcement from the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Assam. This initiative marks a significant step towards reinforcing family values and ensuring the well-being of the elderly in society.

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