Police to get special leave on birthdays, anniversaries

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

In a move to improve work-life balance, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced special leave for police personnel on their birthdays and wedding anniversaries. The order, issued by Harish Kumar Gupta, applies to all ranks, from constables to senior officers. District SPs and unit heads have been directed to ensure strict implementation. Officials said the leave must be granted promptly upon request, except in unavoidable emergencies. Police personnel, often on duty during festivals and family occasions, face high stress levels. The government believes this step will boost morale and support mental well-being, helping personnel return to duty with renewed motivation. Separately, the Finance Department has mandated that from May 1, all pension applications be submitted online through the ‘Nidhi’ portal. Special Chief Secretary Piyush Kumar said the move will improve transparency, efficiency and tracking, replacing the manual system.

The Andhra Pradesh government has introduced a special leave policy to enhance work-life balance for police personnel. Under a directive from DGP Harish Kumar Gupta, officers of all ranks—from constables to senior leadership—will now be granted mandatory leave on their birthdays and wedding anniversaries.

The initiative recognizes the high-stress nature of policing, where staff frequently miss family milestones and festivals due to demanding duties. Except in unavoidable emergencies, units must approve these requests promptly. Officials believe this move will significantly boost morale and mental well-being, allowing personnel to return to duty with renewed motivation.

In a separate move toward e-governance, the state has revamped the pension submission process. Starting May 1, the Finance Department will discontinue manual pension proposals. All retiring government employees must now submit applications exclusively through the ‘Nidhi’ online portal. Special Chief Secretary Piyush Kumar emphasized that this digital transition aims to eliminate delays, improve transparency, and ensure efficient tracking of pension benefits.