Panaji: Goa govt will now provide up to 365 days of paid medical leave to regular teachers of govt and govt-aided schools who are diagnosed with terminal illnesses. During the period of such leave, none of the benefits or entitlements of teacher will also be affected like service benefits, seniority, continuity of service, pensionary benefits, etc.Beyond the 365 days too, if required, extension of the leave will be considered on recommendation of a govt medical board and on the approval of the govt.The terminal illnesses under the policy will cover later-stage cancer, end-stage organ failure (kidney, liver, heart), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and progressive neurodegenerative disorders, as certified by a recognised govt medical authority.The directorate of education (DoE) said these schools “shall ensure strict, timely and non-discriminatory implementation of this order and not cause any avoidable delay in processing eligible cases”.The state approved ‘Special Medical Leave Policy’ will apply to all regular teachers working under the jurisdiction of the DoE, the order issued by the directorate of Tuesday states. The order states that the policy will come into immediate effect and will be a permanent policy, which may be periodically reviewed by govt.“The teacher shall submit an application to the head of institution along with a medical certificate issued by GMC, and other supporting documents, if any. The head of institution shall forward the application to the DoE for verification and approval. Where necessary, the case may be referred to a Govt Medical Board for further evaluation,” the DoE circular issued on Tuesday states.The policy will apply to all govt, govt aided, primary, secondary, higher secondary and special schools.
