The central government has introduced a new leave policy granting government employees a 42-day leave period for organ donation. The policy is aimed at allowing employees to get sufficient time to recover after donating an organ.
The decision comes in accordance with the transplantation of human organs and tissues act of 1994, which states that the donors must be approved by a government-registered medical practitioner. They can take leave starting one week before the surgery, as advised by a doctor or government-registered medical practitioner. Furthermore, the donor may have the option to take the leave in separate periods, as the doctor or registered government practitioner may allow, based on the nature of the surgery.
The intention behind implementing this policy is to encourage organ donation among government employees, recognising it as a noble and compassionate act of assisting and supporting individuals in need. The policy announced by the ministry of personnel, public grievances, and pensions department of personnel and training, took effect starting April 25, 2023.
The ministry acknowledged that previously employees were granted 30 days leave for organ donation. However, in response to numerous queries, issues, and references from the ministry of health and family welfare, the leave period has been extended to 42 days.
The notification further clarifies that these orders apply to government employees serving in civil services and positions related to the affairs of the Union of India, as outlined in Rule 2 of the CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972. This rule will be effective from the date of the notification’s issuance.
Additionally, the guidelines clearly state that the organ removal surgery must be performed in an authorised hospital, either government or private, under the central government health scheme. If the procedure is conducted in a private hospital, a medical certificate duly signed by the relevant head of department (HOD) is necessary.
