Changes proposed in study leave regulations

Bhartesh Singh Thakur 
Tribune News Service 
Chandigarh, October 18 

Major changes have been proposed in the regulations related to study leave for Panjab University (PU) teachers. It has now been proposed that the assistant professors can avail leave after three years of continuous service, while currently it can be availed after two years. 

Now, associate professors cannot apply for leave as along with them, professors are eligible for sabbatical leave. 

The proposed amendments will be discussed in the upcoming Regulations Committee meeting on October 23. 

The study leave will not be granted for more than three years in one spell, while currently it is limited to two years. It can be granted only twice during a teacher’s career, but the total period cannot exceed five years. 

Currently, the study leave for the second time is allowed after a gap of seven years. But it has been proposed that the gap be reduced to five years.

When a teacher is awarded a scholarship or stipend for pursuing further studies leading to PhD or post doctoral qualification abroad, the amount of fellowship will not be linked to the recipient’s salary paid by the PU. The awardee will be paid salary for the entire duration of fellowship provided he doesn’t take up any other job like teaching in the host country.

Till now, if the financial assistance is $10,000, no pay is granted and if it is between $5,000 and $10,000, then only half pay is admissible. However, if it is below $5,000 then pay is granted. 

The study leave granted to a teacher will be deemed to be cancelled in case it is not availed of within 12 months of the sanction. But presently, if the leave is not availed within 6 months, it gets cancelled. 

The clause of submitting the six-monthly reports to the Registrar is retained. In the proposed amendments, it has been specifically mentioned that the teacher on study leave will also have to submit a comprehensive report on the completion of the study leave period. A copy of the research document or academic paper will have to be put in the public domain-website of the Panjab University. 

It has also been mentioned in the proposed amendments that the heads of the departments must encourage study leave for the junior faculty.

Committee meeting on October 23

• The study leave will not be granted for more than three years in one spell, while it is limited to two years at present. 
• It can be granted only twice during a teacher’s career, but the total period cannot exceed five years. 
• Currently, the study leave for the second time is allowed after a gap of seven years. But it has been proposed that the gap be reduced to five years.