'No leave' for Bengal govt employees on 9 July Trade Union strike

The West Bengal Government has announced that all state government offices, including those receiving Grants-in-Aid, will remain open on Wednesday, July 9, despite a 24-hour nationwide strike called by various trade unions and organisations. In an official order, the government stated that all employees must report for duty on that day without fail.

The order clearly mentions that no Casual Leave or any other form of leave, whether for the first half, second half, or the entire day, will be granted to any employee on July 9. Employees remaining absent without sanctioned leave will have their absence treated as 'dies-non', meaning no salary will be admissible for that day.

However, exceptions have been outlined in the notification. Absence may be condoned if supported by documentary evidence in cases of hospitalisation, bereavement in the family, severe illness with continued absence from before July 8, or pre-sanctioned Child Care Leave, Maternity Leave, Medical Leave, or Earned Leave granted before July 8. In such cases, the leave due and admissible may be allowed after submission of relevant documents and satisfactory explanation.

All Heads of Offices and Controlling Authorities have been directed to issue show-cause notices to employees who are absent on July 9 without valid grounds. If no response is received or if the explanation is not satisfactory, the absence will be treated as unauthorised, and disciplinary action may be initiated. All related actions must be completed by July 31, and compliance reports are to be submitted to the concerned department by that date.