By Kavita Mistry 
In a landmark move, the central government has officially announced the grant of 42 bonus leaves per year to full-time employees. This decision is expected to brighten the lives of millions of government workers and significantly improve their work-life balance.
Effective From July 1, 2025
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions confirmed that the new leave policy will come into effect from July 1, 2025. Under this policy, eligible employees will receive an additional 42 days of leave each calendar year, separate from the regular casual, earned, and medical leaves already available.
Why Has the Government Announced Bonus Leaves?
The bonus leave policy is the government’s way of recognising employees who worked tirelessly during the pandemic to maintain operations in critical ministries. Many employees worked overtime and made sacrifices while services deemed non-critical were paused. The bonus leaves are a gesture of appreciation for their extraordinary contributions.
Officials also emphasized that this new leave is highly flexible. Employees can combine it with other leave types to plan extended vacations, manage family commitments, or attend to personal matters without worrying about running out of leave days.
Eligibility Criteria
- Only full-time central government employees are eligible.
- Employees must have completed a minimum of one continuous year of service as of July 2025.
- Contractual and temporary employees are excluded from this benefit.
Key Features of the Bonus Leave Policy
- Bonus leaves will not lapse at the end of the year and can be carried forward for up to two years.
- Employees will have the option to encash part of the accumulated bonus leaves at the time of retirement.
- Specific application procedures and combinations with other types of leaves will be detailed in future guidelines issued by the respective ministries.
Implications for Government Employees
The announcement has been met with widespread celebration across government offices. Employees view the 42 bonus leaves as a top necessity for enhancing mental health, promoting work-life balance, and recognising their dedication to national service.
Trade unions have also praised the decision, calling it a thoughtful step that acknowledges the hard work and commitment of government employees during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.
Conclusion
The decision to grant 42 bonus leaves stands as a landmark welfare initiative in 2025. It highlights the government’s commitment to employee well-being and national development. Detailed circulars, FAQs, and implementation guidelines are expected to be issued soon, providing further clarity to all beneficiaries.