Odisha revises study leave grant for doctors for pursuing PG, post PG higher studies

The Odisha government has announced a revision in the study leave granted to doctors who are under the administrative control of the State Health and Family Welfare Department. As per the latest notification, the study leave grant has been revised up to a maximum period of six years in the service career for pursuing PG and post PG higher studies.

Earlier, the norms allowed a maximum of three years in the service career, subject to a condition that the total period of study leave in combination with other kinds of leave except leave on medical certificate or extra ordinary leave, does not involve an absence from duty more than 36 months.

“After careful consideration, the government has been pleased to decided that the study leave may be granted to doctors working under administrative control of health and family welfare department up to a maximum period of six years in the service career for pursuing PG and post PG higher studies, subject to the condition that the total period of study leave in combination with other kinds of leave except leave on medical certificate or extraordinary leave, does not involve an absence from duty for more than 72 months,” the government notification read.

As per Rule 180 of Odisha Service Code and prevailing rules and regulations, the doctors who have not completed 5 years of service and go for higher study, their period of study was sanctioned as Extra Ordinary Leave (EOL) on private ground. This period was not counted as service period for allowing benefit under Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) scheme.

“The government has decided to count this period of higher study sanctioned as EOL on private ground as service period for the purpose of allowing benefit under Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) scheme to the medical officers for future DACPs to be allowed,” the notification added.

(Reported by Harihar Chand)