Promoting Organ Donation: Special Casual Leave Policy for Central Government Employees
- M.R Mishra
- Jan 11
- 3 min read
The Government of India has introduced a progressive policy to encourage organ donation among its employees by granting up to 42 days of Special Casual Leave (SCL) to organ donors. Announced through an Office Memorandum (OM) on April 28, 2023, by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), this initiative aims to alleviate the physical and emotional demands placed on donors while promoting public health and welfare.
This policy, applicable to all types of living donors under the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994, ensures flexibility in leave usage, prioritizes treatment in government or CGHS-empanelled hospitals, and restricts the combination of SCL with other leave types.
By setting this precedent, the government not only removes employment-related barriers to organ donation but also paves the way for private organizations to adopt similar measures, potentially boosting organ donation rates across the country.
An Office Memorandum (OM) dated April 28, 2023, issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), outlines the framework for this initiative.
This measure applies notwithstanding the existing cap of 30 days for SCL under the Central Civil Services (CCS) Leave Rules, 1972.
Key Points mentioned in OM:
Maximum Leave Duration: Donors are eligible for up to 42 days of SCL, irrespective of the type of surgery, as recommended by a government-registered medical practitioner.
Eligibility: The leave applies to all types of living donors, provided their donation is duly approved under the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994.
Usage of Leave:
The leave is typically taken in one stretch starting from the day of hospital admission.
It can also begin up to one week before the surgery based on medical advice.
Flexibility in splitting leave is permitted upon recommendation from a treating doctor.
Authorized Hospitals: The treatment should preferably be undertaken in a government or CGHS-empanelled hospital. If a private hospital is used due to unavailability, a certified medical certificate must be produced.
Non-Combination of Leave: SCL for organ donation cannot generally be combined with other types of leave, except under exceptional circumstances involving medical complications.
The initiative aligns with the spirit of the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994, which governs the ethical and legal aspects of organ donation in India.
A single donor can donate up to 8 life-saving organs and other tissues.
Organs that can be donated:
Heart
Lungs (2 lungs can save two lives)
Liver (can be split to save two people)
Kidneys (both can be donated)
Pancreas
Intestines
By removing potential employment-related disincentives, the government aims to encourage more individuals to participate in this altruistic act.
This policy recognizes the physical and emotional demands placed on organ donors and seeks to alleviate their burden. In doing so, it also underscores the government’s commitment to public welfare and health.
While this policy is specific to Central Government employees, it sets a precedent that private organizations could emulate.
Extending similar benefits across sectors could significantly increase organ donation rates, addressing the chronic shortage of donors in the country.
Living Donations:
Living donors can donate:
One kidney
A part of the liver
A part of the lung
A portion of the pancreas or intestines
The grant of Special Casual Leave for organ donors is a progressive and humane policy that acknowledges the sacrifice and generosity of living donors.
By offering substantial recovery time and legal safeguards, the government not only facilitates this noble act but also underscores its commitment to employee welfare and public health.
As this policy takes effect, it is hoped that it will inspire more individuals to contribute to saving lives through organ donation.
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