Assam Govt. introduces leaves to meet parents

The Assam government has introduced two special days off in November for state employees to spend time with their parents or parents-in-law. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasised the importance of family in his announcement: “Blessings of parents are essential for our lives. As an ideal citizen, ensuring the well-being of our parents is our responsibility.”

Purpose and focus
These special leaves on November 6 and 8 are meant for employees to connect with their ageing parents or parents-in-law.The focus is on showing respect and caring for seniors of the family. This allows employees to take a well-deserved break from work and prioritise spending meaningful time with their loved ones.

Conditions and eligibility
Only employees with living parents or parents-in-law can take use of these special casual leaves. It’s important to note these leaves are not for personal leisure but are meant to strengthen family bonds. The government supports employees to use this time to honour their parents and engage in thoughtful activities that show appreciation for their parents. The CMO’s office mentions through a post on X (formerly Twitter), “This 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.”
Strategic timing and implementation
The leaves conveniently coincide with existing holidays such as Chhat Puja on November 7, the second Saturday on November 9, and Sunday on November 10. This timing reflects thoughtful consideration from the honorable chief minister, ensuring employees benefit from extended time off without disrupting their work. This alignment provides workers with sufficient chances to spend quality time with their families.
Government commitment and employee welfare
Chief Minister Sarma mentioned the government’s commitment to supporting employees’ well-being and family values: “Ensuring the well-being of our parents is our responsibility.” This initiative aligns with Rule 43-B of the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, demonstrating the government’s effort to create a caring and supportive work environment.
And so, the declaration of special leaves for family time demonstrates and fosters Assam’s advanced approach to promoting work-life balance and honouring family relationships. By providing these opportunities, the government not only supports its employees but also understands the importance of family in significantly contributing to personal and professional well-being.