Query - When an employee seeks permission for higher study with out seeking any financial help and (study) leave can he be asked to explain that how the degree will be beneficial to the department ? (Mr. Dey, Kharagpur)
Reply - The issue of permission for higher study has been dealt in the Ministry of Home Affairs OM No. 25/27/52-Essts., dated 03/05/1952 and OM No. 130/54-Esst.(A), dated 26/02/1955, which stipulated that ordinarily, there can be no objection to the pursuit of knowledge by the Govt. employee in their leisure hours. But this must be subject to the condition that such pursuit does in no way detract from their efficiency. There is no mention of benefit to department or relationship to the field of study and job of the employee. Hence, such a requirement should not be insisted from the employee.
However, it must be noted that benefit to department/Govt. and relationship to the field of study and job of the employee may be insisted for sanction of one-time incentive for acquiring higher qualification, which is a totally different issue.
Reply - The issue of permission for higher study has been dealt in the Ministry of Home Affairs OM No. 25/27/52-Essts., dated 03/05/1952 and OM No. 130/54-Esst.(A), dated 26/02/1955, which stipulated that ordinarily, there can be no objection to the pursuit of knowledge by the Govt. employee in their leisure hours. But this must be subject to the condition that such pursuit does in no way detract from their efficiency. There is no mention of benefit to department or relationship to the field of study and job of the employee. Hence, such a requirement should not be insisted from the employee.
However, it must be noted that benefit to department/Govt. and relationship to the field of study and job of the employee may be insisted for sanction of one-time incentive for acquiring higher qualification, which is a totally different issue.