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Extraordinary Leave Policy for Railway Servants: A Comprehensive Guide

For railway employees, understanding various leave entitlements is vital for ensuring work-life balance and addressing personal matters effectively. One significant leave type available to them is Extraordinary Leave (EL). This blog post focuses on the eligibility criteria and limits associated with Extraordinary Leave, providing railway employees with crucial information.

1. What is Extraordinary Leave?

Extraordinary Leave is a special type of leave granted to railway servants under specific conditions when other types of leave are not available or requested.

2. Eligibility Criteria

General Conditions:
- No Other Leave Available: Extraordinary Leave may be granted when no other type of leave is admissible.
- Request for Extraordinary Leave: If other leave types are available, extraordinary leave can be requested in writing.

3. Limits on Extraordinary Leave for Temporary Railway Servants

Without Medical Certificate: Up to 3 months.
With Medical Certificate: Up to 6 months if the servant has completed 1 year of continuous service and has used 3 months of extraordinary leave.
For Specific Medical Conditions:
- Up to 18 months for:
  - Pulmonary tuberculosis.
  - Tuberculosis in any part of the body.
  - Leprosy.
  - Cancer or mental illness.
- Treatment must be in recognized institutions or by qualified specialists.
For Studies in Public Interest:
- Up to 24 months if pursuing studies certified as being in public interest and the servant has completed 3 years of continuous service.

4. Bond and Sureties for Extended Leave

Bond Requirement: A bond must be executed for extraordinary leave exceeding 18 months for studies or other extended leave. This bond ensures the servant will return to duty and stay for at least 3 years, or refund the leave pay with interest.
Sureties: The bond must be supported by two permanent railway servants with comparable or higher status.

5. Treatment of Multiple Spells of Leave

Two spells of extraordinary leave, if separated by other types of leave, will be considered as one continuous spell for leave limit purposes.

6. Retrospective Commutation of Leave

Authorities can convert periods of absence without leave into extraordinary leave retrospectively.

7. Important Notes

Note 1: Extraordinary leave up to 18 months is also available for tuberculosis treatment at home, with a specialist’s certificate.
Note 2: Institutions recognized by the Government of India for Central Government servants are deemed recognized for extraordinary leave purposes.
Note 3: Permanent railway servants have no maximum limit on extraordinary leave but total leave (including all types) cannot exceed 5 years in one continuous spell.
Note 4: Temporary railway servants not resuming duty after the maximum granted leave or who exceed leave limits may face removal from service after disciplinary procedures.

Conclusion: The Extraordinary Leave policy provides structured and fair leave options for railway servants in exceptional circumstances, balancing the need for extended leave with the requirements for returning to duty.