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Dec 30, 2024

Leave Policy in Rajasthan 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Explore the essential regulations and guidelines of Leave Policy of Rajasthan to ensure compliance and informed decision-making. Read more for clarity.

Leave Policy in Rajasthan 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Table of contents

Introduction

Each state in India has its own unique set of labor laws and regulations, reflecting the diverse cultural and economic landscape of the country. Similarly, Rajasthan, known for its rich cultural heritage and growing industrial sector, has developed its own distinct approach to leave policies and workforce management. As a significant contributor to India's economy, particularly in sectors like tourism, textiles, and renewable energy, Rajasthan plays an important role in shaping labor practices that balance traditional values with modern economic needs across the country.

About Rajasthan

Rajasthan, located in northwestern India, is the largest state by area and is renowned for its vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and diverse geography. Known as the "Land of Kings," Rajasthan has a rich history that is reflected in its magnificent palaces, forts, and colorful traditions. In recent years, the state has made significant strides in economic development, focusing on industries such as tourism, handicrafts, textiles, and renewable energy. This blend of cultural heritage and economic progress creates a unique workforce with varied needs. Rajasthan's approach to labor policies, including leave management, reflects its commitment to supporting both its traditional sectors and emerging industries, while ensuring the well-being of its diverse population.

The Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958

The Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958 governs leave policies and working conditions in Rajasthan. This comprehensive legislation aims to balance business needs with employee rights and well-being. It provides a framework for various types of leave, working hours, and other employment aspects.

The Act stipulates that employees who have worked for a specified number of days in a calendar year are entitled to annual leave with wages, calculated based on the number of days worked. It mandates at least one full day of weekly rest for all employees. While not specifying sick or casual leave, the Act allows employers to create leave schemes in agreement with employee representatives. The legislation also regulates daily and weekly working hours, with mandatory rest intervals. By establishing these regulations, the Act ensures both employers and employees understand their rights and obligations, promoting fair labor practices across Rajasthan's diverse economic sectors.

Understanding Leave Policies in Rajasthan

Leave policies in Rajasthan play a crucial role in maintaining work-life balance and ensuring employee well-being. The state's approach to leave policies is governed by the Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, which provides a comprehensive framework to address the diverse needs of its workforce while ensuring smooth business operations. For employees who have worked for 240 days or more in a calendar year, the Act stipulates earned leave at the rate of one day for every 12 days worked for adults, and one day for every 15 days worked for children. While there are no specific provisions for sick leave or casual leave in the Act, it allows for the formulation of leave schemes by employers in agreement with employee representatives. These policies offer essential time off for rest, personal matters, and unforeseen circumstances, contributing to increased productivity, employee satisfaction, and retention across Rajasthan's diverse economic sectors, from traditional industries to its growing commercial establishments.

Types of Leave in Rajasthan

Based on the official Rajasthan Service Rules and other government sources, here are the types of leave available in Rajasthan for government employees. While private sector policies may vary, they often align with government standards:

Types of Leave in Rajasthan

Earned Leave / Privileged Leave

Earned Leave, also known as Privileged Leave, is available to both government and private sector employees. Government employees in non-vacation departments earn 30 days of earned leave per year, credited in two installments of 15 days each on January 1st and July 1st. For private sector employees, the Rajasthan Shops and Establishments Act mandates 18 days of earned leave after 240 days of continuous service. The maximum accumulation allowed is 300 days for government employees and 30 days for private sector employees. This leave is meant for planned time off and can be used for personal reasons or vacations.

Casual Leave

Casual Leave is primarily applicable to government employees, who are entitled to 15 days per calendar year. It's meant for unforeseen circumstances or emergencies. For periods less than a year, it's granted proportionally based on completed months. Private sector employees may not have a specific provision for casual leave under the Shops and Establishments Act, but many companies offer it as part of their internal policies. Casual leave cannot usually be carried forward or encashed, and is typically limited to 8-10 days at a stretch.

Half Pay Leave

Half Pay Leave is a provision for government employees. They are credited with 20 days of half pay leave in advance each year, in two installments of 10 days each on January 1st and July 1st. This leave can be used for medical reasons or private affairs, with employees receiving half their salary during this period. While not mandated for private sector employees, some organizations may offer similar provisions under different names like sick leave or medical leave.

Maternity Leave

Maternity Leave is a statutory requirement for both government and private sector employers. As per the Maternity Benefit Act, which applies nationwide, women employees are entitled to 26 weeks of paid maternity leave for the first two children, and 12 weeks for subsequent children. This leave can be availed from up to 8 weeks before the expected delivery date. Additional benefits may include work from home options and crèche facilities, depending on the organization.

Paternity Leave

Paternity Leave is available for male government employees in Rajasthan, although the exact duration isn't specified in the provided documents. In the private sector, paternity leave is not mandated by law but many progressive companies offer it as part of their leave policy. The duration typically ranges from 5 to 15 days, allowing new fathers to support their partners and bond with their newborns.

Child Care Leave

Child Care Leave is a special provision for female government servants in Rajasthan. They may be granted up to two years (730 days) of child care leave during their entire service for taking care of up to two children, whether for rearing or for looking after their needs. This leave is not commonly available in the private sector, though some companies may offer similar benefits under different names.

Study Leave

Study Leave can be granted to government employees for pursuing approved courses of study. The duration and conditions vary based on the course and government approval. While not mandatory in the private sector, some companies offer sabbaticals or study leave to employees for professional development, with terms varying by organization.

It's important to note that while government leave policies are standardized across the state, private sector policies may vary by company. However, they must at least meet the minimum requirements set by the Rajasthan Shops & Establishments Act and other applicable labor laws. Employees should always refer to their organization's specific leave policy for the most accurate information.

Holidays in Rajasthan

The Rajasthan government has officially declared the list of holidays for the year 2025, categorizing them into public holidays and optional holidays. This comprehensive list ensures that government offices, educational institutions, and many private establishments observe these holidays appropriately.

Public Holidays:

Public holidays are mandatory for all government institutions and many private organizations across Rajasthan. These holidays commemorate significant national and regional events, festivals, and observances.

Public Holidays in Rajasthan 2025
Name of Holiday Dates Day
Guru Govind Singh Jayanti 01.01.2025 Monday
Republic Day 26.01.2025 Sunday
Deepawati (Jayanti) 04.03.2025 Tuesday
Mahashivratri 26.02.2025 Wednesday
Dhuleti 14.03.2025 Thursday
Cheti Chand 31.03.2025 Sunday
Dr. BR Ambedkar b/d 30.03.2025 Monday
Ram Navami 06.04.2025 Sunday
Dr. Mohmbar Jayanti 14.04.2025 Thursday
Mahavir Janma Kalyanak/Poha Jayanti 14.04.2025 Monday
Good Friday 18.04.2025 Friday
Parshuram (Jayanti) 29.04.2025 Tuesday
Maharana Pratap Jayanti 08.05.2025 Thursday
Id-ul-Zuha 07.06.2025 Saturday
Maharani Laxmi Bai(pd) 20.07.2025 Sunday
Hariyali Amavasya 09.08.2025 Saturday
Independence Day 15.08.2025 Friday
Sri Krishna Janamashtami 16.08.2025 Saturday
Maharaja Agarsen, Teja Dashmi & Dashge Shaheed Day 20.09.2025 Tuesday
Gandhi Jayanti 02.10.2025 Friday
Ramchandraji Sen and Maharaja Agarsen Jayanti 22.09.2025 Monday
Dusseheara 07.10.2025 Thursday
Viju Dashmi 02.10.2025 Thursday
Maharishi Daynand Jayanti 20.10.2025 Monday
Deepawali 23.10.2025 Wednesday
Goverdhan Puja 25.10.2025 Wednesday
Guru Nanak Jayanti 26.11.2025 Wednesday
Christmas Day 25.12.2025 Thursday
Guru Govind Singh Jayanti 27.12.2025 Saturday

Public holidays in Rajasthan for 2025 include major national festivals like Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti, as well as significant regional celebrations such as Holi, Baisakhi, and Diwali. The state also observes Rajasthan Day on November 1st, commemorating the formation of the state.

Optional Holidays

Optional holidays provide flexibility for individuals to observe personal, religious, or cultural events. While government offices remain open on these days, employees can choose to take leave for these occasions.

Optional Holidays in Rajasthan 2025
S.No. Name of Holiday Date Day
1. Christian New Year Day 01.01.2025 Wednesday
2. Lohri Festival 13.01.2025 Monday
3. Vishwakarma Jayanti 10.02.2025 Monday
4. Swami Ramanand Jayanti 11.02.2025 Tuesday
5. Guru Ravidas Jayanti 12.02.2025 Wednesday
6. Shab-e-Barat 13.02.2025 Thursday
7. Gandi Maharaj Jayanti 23.02.2025 Sunday
8. Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti 23.02.2025 Sunday
9. Jumatul Vida 28.03.2025 Friday
10. Vaisakhi 13.04.2025 Sunday
11. Sant Jayanti 25.04.2025 Friday
12. Buddha Purnima 12.05.2025 Monday
13. Guru Purnima 10.07.2025 Thursday
14. Hariyali 15.08.2025 Friday
15. Ganesh Chaturthi 27.08.2025 Wednesday
16. Samvatsari 28.08.2025 Thursday
17. Anant Chaturdashi 06.09.2025 Saturday
18. Mahalaxmi 01.10.2025 Wednesday
19. Karva Chauth 10.10.2025 Friday
20. Sri Parnath Jayanti 14.12.2025 Sunday

It's important to note that the Rajasthan government has declared a total of 33 public holidays and 20 optional holidays for the year 2025, allowing for a balance between work commitments and cultural observances. From the list of optional holidays, employees are permitted to choose and use any two holidays. Islamic holidays are subject to change based on moon sighting. Public holidays for bank employees are declared separately by the Finance (Group) Department under the provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881.

Working Hours and Overtime in Rajasthan

Standard Working Hours

In Rajasthan, working hours are governed by the Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958. The act stipulates:

  • Normal working hours: 9 hours per day
  • Maximum working hours: 48 hours per week
  • Mandatory rest interval: At least half an hour after 5 hours of continuous work

Overtime Regulations

  • Maximum overtime: 50 hours in a quarter
  • Overtime pay rate: One and a half times the ordinary rate of wages
  • Daily limit: Total working hours including overtime shall not exceed 10 hours in any day, except on days of stock-taking and preparation of accounts
  • Record keeping: Employers must maintain overtime records

Rajasthan's regulations aim to balance employee welfare with business needs, ensuring fair compensation for extra hours worked while setting reasonable limits on overtime to prevent exploitation.

Leave Policy Guidelines in Rajasthan

Rajasthan's leave policy is designed to ensure a structured and fair approach to managing employee leave while balancing organizational requirements. Below is a detailed explanation of the guidelines based on the Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958.

Leave Accrual and Allocation

Earned Leave accrues annually for employees who have worked for 240 days or more in a calendar year. Adults are entitled to one day of leave for every 12 days worked in the previous calendar year. New employees joining mid-year are entitled to pro-rated leave based on their joining date, ensuring fair access to leave benefits proportional to their tenure.

Leave Approval Process

  • Advance Notice Requirements: Applications for leave on grounds other than ill health should be made at least three weeks before the date from which leave is required.
  • Manager Approval: All leave requests require approval from the competent authority before being confirmed. This ensures that leave doesn't disrupt critical business operations and allows for proper workforce planning.

Leave Management

  • Carry Forward Policy: Earned Leave can be carried forward, up to a maximum of 30 days. This provision allows employees to accumulate leave for future use while setting a reasonable cap to prevent excessive accumulation.
  • Documentation Requirements: For leave on medical grounds, a medical certificate from an authorized medical attendant may be required.

Probation Period

The Act does not make a distinction between probationary and confirmed employees for leave benefits. Probationary employees are entitled to the same statutory leaves as regular employees.

Attendance and Absence Policies

  • Unauthorized Absence: Unauthorized absence may result in disciplinary action and salary deduction. This policy encourages responsible leave management and ensures fairness among employees.
  • Mandatory Attendance Around Holidays: Each business is closed one day a week. The employer decides this day at the beginning of the year, notifies the inspector, and posts it in a notice displayed in a visible place in the store or company.

Rajasthan's leave policy aims to strike a balance between employee welfare and business needs, offering various options to cater to different life situations while ensuring compliance with local regulations. The policy framework ensures that employees can manage personal responsibilities effectively while contributing productively at work.

Wisemonk: Streamlining Leave Management and Payroll for Global Businesses 

Navigating the complexities of leave management and payroll in Karnataka can be challenging, especially for global businesses. Wisemonk offers a comprehensive solution to simplify these processes and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Leave Management Made Effortless with Wisemonk

Comprehensive Leave Management: 

Wisemonk offers automated tracking of all leave types, real-time leave balance updates, and customizable approval workflows  that comply with both national and state-specific leave policies.

Accurate Payroll Processing: 

The platform integrates leave data with payroll calculations, ensuring precise overtime pay calculations and timely salary disbursements in accordance with national labor laws and state regulations.

Compliance and Reporting: 

Wisemonk stays up-to-date with both central and state labor laws, generates required statutory reports, and maintains audit-ready documentation for seamless regulatory compliance.

Employee Self-Service Portal: 

Employees can easily apply for leave, track their balances, and access pay slips and tax documents through a user-friendly interface, enhancing transparency and efficiency.

Attendance Management: 

Wisemonk provides a seamless attendance tracking system that integrates with leave management for comprehensive reporting and customizable attendance policies, adaptable to both national standards and state-specific requirements.

If you want to understand more about leave policies in India, we recommend referring to our article "Understanding Leave Policy Laws and Holidays in India".

Please contact us for additional information.

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