Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Feb 10: In a significant welfare measure, the Goa government on Tuesday announced a policy granting up to one year of paid medical leave to teachers working in government and government-aided schools who are diagnosed with terminal illnesses.

Director of Education Shailesh Zingde issued an official order stating that the policy will apply to all regular teachers under the jurisdiction of the Directorate of Education, Goa. The leave will be governed by the provisions of the Goa, Daman & Diu School Education Act, 1984 and Rules, 1986, read along with the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, as applicable.

As per the policy, teachers suffering from advanced stages of cancer, end-stage organ failure involving the kidney, liver or heart, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and progressive neurodegenerative disorders will be eligible to avail paid medical leave of up to 365 days. The illness must be duly certified by a recognised government medical authority.

The order further states that any extension beyond the one-year period will be considered only on the recommendation of a Government Medical Board and with prior approval of the state government.

Teachers seeking the benefit are required to submit an application to the head of their institution along with a medical certificate issued by Goa Medical College, Bambolim, and other relevant supporting documents.

Importantly, the government clarified that during the sanctioned leave period, the teacher’s service benefits — including seniority, continuity of service, pensionary benefits and other admissible entitlements — will remain unaffected.

Heads of government and government-aided primary, secondary, higher secondary and special schools have been directed to ensure strict, timely and non-discriminatory implementation of the policy and to avoid delays in processing eligible cases.