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Paid leave for teachers up to 1 year, a big decision of the state in view of incurable diseases… should this policy be implemented across the country?

Summary

Goa’s new medical leave policy for government school teachers (indicative photo- Freepik) Imagine if you get a year’s leave to take care of yourself and get treatment for your illness. During this period, you will continue to receive your salary and other benefits as well. This leave should neither affect your promotion, nor your position,…

Ronit Sharma

By Ronit Sharma
Feb 13, 2026, 4:00 PM IST

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Paid leave for teachers up to 1 year, a big decision of the state in view of incurable diseases… should this policy be implemented across the country?

Goa’s new medical leave policy for government school teachers (indicative photo- Freepik)
Imagine if you get a year’s leave to take care of yourself and get treatment for your illness. During this period, you will continue to receive your salary and other benefits as well. This leave should neither affect your promotion, nor your position, nor your pension or other things. What a relief this will be. Every employee who works hard day and night expects similar security from his employer. In one state of India, the government has taken this important decision for school teachers. Directorate of Education, Goa has come up with a new medical leave policy for government and government-aided school teachers. However, this will not apply to every disease.

According to PTI report, an order regarding this new policy was issued on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Education Director Shailesh Jhende issued the order. According to this, this new policy will be governed under the provisions of Goa, Daman and Diu School Education Act 1984 and Rules 1986 and Central Civil Service (Leave) Rules 1972.

Who benefits from the Special Medical Leave Policy?

  • This new leave policy and its rules will be applicable to all the regular teachers who work under the Goa Education Directorate.
  • Who are appointed on regular basis in the government schools or government aided schools there.
  • If any teacher falling under this job description is diagnosed with a terminal illness, they can take advantage of this policy.

What is the new leave policy for teachers in Goa?

  • If a teacher is suffering from any incurable disease, he can take paid leave up to one year (365 days).
  • This will neither affect his promotion nor his seniority. When they join back after leave, they will be joining on the same post and under the same rules that will be applicable to other teachers.
  • There will be no reduction in the pension received after retirement.
  • To avail the benefit of this leave, the teacher will have to submit the medical certificate and supporting documents issued by Goa Medical College.
  • Not only this, if a teacher needs extension of leave even after one year, then this benefit can also be given after the recommendation of the Government Medical Board and approval from the government.

Which diseases will be covered under Terminal Illness?

Terminal illness means a disease for which there is no cure so that the disease can be completely cured. With treatment and care, the progress of the disease can be slowed down a bit. The patient may get some more time. These diseases will be covered under Goa’s policy-

  • advanced cancer
  • End stage kidney, liver or heart failure
  • amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Progressive Neuro-Degenerative Disorder

Should such a policy be implemented across India?

After this big decision has been taken by a small state like Goa, now there is a ruckus among those working in services in other states too. Along with praising this decision, people are also demanding such a policy for themselves. Because due to career risk and fear of salary stoppage and pension being cut, many times employees delay starting treatment for such diseases.

After this step of the Goa government, the big question that arises is whether such a policy should be prepared in the entire country? Should other states also take steps in this direction in the interest of their employees?

Education experts say that ‘there are rules for medical leaves, but still in most places in the country, there is a lack of good provisions regarding such long term medical leave policy in case of incurable diseases. However, if such a policy is to be implemented in big states and at a larger level, it will require a thorough review and a detailed structured plan. Because there are not lakhs, but crores of government teachers and government employees in the country. It will be necessary to ensure that the rules are clear, medical verification is solid and it is not misused. Funds are also a big factor here. But yes, there is a need to think and plan about this.