Leave Cancellation: Anxiety is growing among West Bengal state government employees as the leave cancellation order, issued earlier, remains in effect. On May 7, 2025, the Finance Department at Nabanna issued an order (No. 1684-F(P2)) immediately cancelling all sanctioned leave (except for medical reasons) for state government employees. This decision was reportedly taken in view of the then prevailing India-Pak war situation. However, with the situation now considerably stable and the central government having withdrawn its similar directive, the state government is yet to take any positive steps in this regard.
The continuation of this leave cancellation order has prevented many government employees, especially those whose children are having summer vacation from school, and teachers, from planning any tours. According to sources, multiple employee associations have already submitted applications to the Finance Department at Nabanna requesting the withdrawal of this order, but there has been no positive response so far.
Another major cause for concern among employees is the potential loss of Leave Travel Concession (LTC) and Home Travel Concession (HTC) benefits. It is understood that the current LTC/HTC block year is set to end on October 31, 2025. If the leave cancellation order is not withdrawn soon, many employees will be unable to avail their entitled LTC or HTC benefits within the stipulated time, leading to financial losses.
Many employees suspect that the government might be deliberately prolonging the leave cancellation to avoid paying LTC and HTC claims. In this situation, state government employees are eagerly awaiting swift intervention from the government. Their primary demand is the immediate withdrawal of the leave cancellation order and necessary measures to ensure they can avail their LTC/HTC benefits, including an extension of the block year if required.
The order, signed by P.K. Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of West Bengal, stated, “This order is being issued in the public interest and shall remain effective until further orders.” Employees are now awaiting those “further orders” that could secure both their leave plans and financial benefits.
