Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Government of Goa has sanctioned a Special Medical Leave Policy granting up to 365 days of fully paid medical leave to regular teachers of government and government-aided schools diagnosed with terminal illnesses.
An official order issued by the Directorate of Education, Alto Porvorim, states that the policy applies to all regular teachers working under the jurisdiction of the Directorate of Education, Goa. The leave will be governed by provisions of the Goa, Daman and Diu School Education Act, 1984, the Rules of 1986, and the CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972, as applicable.
As per the order, terminal illness includes later-stage cancer, end-stage organ failure involving kidney, liver or heart, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and progressive neurodegenerative disorders, subject to certification by a recognised government medical authority.
Eligible teachers will be entitled to up to 365 days of fully paid medical leave. Any extension beyond this period, if required, will be considered only on the recommendation of a Government Medical Board and with approval of the Government.
To avail the leave, teachers must submit an application to the Head of Institution along with a medical certificate issued by Goa Medical College, Bambolim, or other supporting medical documents. The Head of Institution is required to forward the application to the Directorate of Education for verification and approval. In certain cases, the matter may be referred to a Government Medical Board for further evaluation.
The order clearly states that during the period of such leave, the teacher’s service benefits, seniority, continuity of service, pensionary benefits and other admissible entitlements shall 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 any delay in processing eligible cases.
The order, issued with the approval of the Government vide U.O. No. 9392/F dated December 25, 2025, has come into force with immediate effect and will remain applicable as a permanent policy, subject to periodic review.
The notification has been signed by Director of Education Shailesh R. Sinai Zingde.
