The Government of Chhattisgarh has rolled out a new policy allowing its employees to take paid leave to attend Vipassana meditation programmes. The initiative is aimed at reducing workplace stress and improving overall productivity across departments.
Announced on 7 April 2026 by the General Administration Department, the policy applies to both All India Service and State Service officers. It enables them to participate in structured 10-day residential meditation courses conducted at recognised centres.
Under the new framework, employees can avail up to 12 days of special casual leave for each retreat, including travel time. During this period, they will be considered on duty and will continue to receive their full salary. The policy also allows employees to use this benefit up to six times during their service, creating an opportunity for repeated participation over the years.
However, the government has clarified that while leave is fully paid, employees will need to bear their own travel and related expenses. No additional financial support will be provided beyond salary continuity.
To ensure accountability, the policy includes clear documentation requirements. Employees must submit proof of admission to a recognised Vipassana centre while applying. After completing the programme, they are required to furnish a certificate of participation. If proof is not submitted, the leave period may be adjusted against other leave balances.
All leave requests will require prior approval, with departments expected to manage workloads to avoid disruption.
The move signals a growing emphasis on mental wellbeing within public administration. By integrating structured mindfulness programmes such as Vipassana meditation into official policy, the state is exploring ways to build a more focused and resilient workforce.
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excellent idea…..vipassana Can be amazing….goenka was my Teacher in 1995 – over 30 years ago – 30 years later and i have more respect and gratitude than ever. Goenka made things a lot Clearer – The four noble truths are tricky – but you can see that in vipassana dukkha or suffering changes form – due to causality – it loses intensity or changes due to anicca – it HAS TO – and his explanation is that the habit pattern is just a game of sensations – the changing of pleasant and unpleasant – is craving and aversion – an experience of the polarity of reality (see the dhammacakkapavatana sutta) – our desire is this craving and aversion to change this reality – which is just a game of positive and negative – a dynamic play