Permission to Government Servants for Higher Study & Examinations – Odisha
Permission to Government Servants for Higher Study & Examinations – Odisha
Issued by: Political & Services Department, Government of Orissa
Resolution No.: 21352-Gen. | Date: 20 November 1969
The Government of Orissa issued Resolution No. 21352 dated 20.11.1969 laying down a comprehensive policy for granting permission to Government servants to pursue higher studies and to appear in examinations while continuing in Government service.
The Resolution was issued in supersession of earlier circulars, with the objective of addressing repeated references from departments and ensuring that Government duties are not adversely affected while allowing employees to improve their academic and professional qualifications.
In recent years, many State Government Departments have issued standing NOC / general permission orders for appearing in competitive recruitment examinations. Therefore, this 1969 Resolution is now primarily relevant for cases of higher education, academic courses, diplomas and degrees, and not ordinarily for recruitment examinations where standing NOC orders exist.
Statutory Background
Rule 179 of the Orissa Service Code governs the grant of special study leave for Government servants to undertake scientific, technical or similar courses. Apart from study leave, this Resolution deals with permission for:
- Morning / evening classes
- Private appearance in examinations
- Courses pursued without affecting office hours
Key Conditions Prescribed in the Resolution
Competent Authority
Permission may be granted by the Secretary (Additional Secretary), Head of Department or Head of District Offices. In case of Gazetted Officers, only the Secretary / Additional Secretary is competent.
Limit on Number of Employees
Permission shall not be granted to more than 10% of employees of an office in an academic session.
Office Hours Must Not Be Affected
Courses must be held in morning or night hours and should not overlap with normal Government duty hours.
Leave Restrictions
Employees shall not be granted leave beyond one week plus minimum examination days, subject to leave due.
Cancellation of Permission
Permission can be cancelled at any time without notice and without assigning any reason.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this Resolution applicable for recruitment examinations today?
In many departments, standing NOC orders are now issued for recruitment examinations. Hence, this Resolution is generally not required for such cases, unless no standing order exists.
Is this Resolution still relevant?
Yes. It remains relevant mainly for higher studies, academic courses, diplomas and degrees pursued by Government servants.
Can permission be withdrawn?
Yes. The competent authority may cancel the permission at any time without notice.
Which Service Rule is referred to in this Resolution?
Rule 179 of the Orissa Service Code is referred for grant of study leave.