Kerala Service Rules Amended to Include Chickenpox for Special Casual Leave

The Government of Kerala recently issued a notification, S. R. O. No. 715/2025, introducing the Kerala Service (Third Amendment) Rules, 2025. This delegated legislation, published in the Kerala Gazette on June 23, 2025, formally incorporated chickenpox into the list of infectious diseases for which special casual leave can be granted to government employees. The amendment was enacted by the Finance (Rules B) Department in exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 2, read with section 3, of the Kerala Public Services Act, 1968. These new rules are deemed to have come into force retrospectively on the 1st day of February, 2024, ensuring that the provision applies from an earlier date.

The primary objective behind the promulgation of these rules was to provide statutory validity to a prior executive decision. Previously, through G.O. (P) No. 10/2024/Fin. dated February 16, 2024, the Government had decided to include chickenpox in the relevant list. The present notification serves to formalize this decision within the statutory framework of the Kerala Service Rules. Specifically, the amendment inserts "Chickenpox" as item number 2 in Note 2 below clause (i) of rule 1, under the heading "SECTION II - SPECIAL CASUAL LEAVE" within APPENDIX VII, Part I of the Kerala Service Rules. This change directly affects all government employees in Kerala who are governed by these rules, ensuring they are eligible for special casual leave in cases of chickenpox, similar to other listed infectious diseases.

The legislative intent behind this amendment was to address a gap in the existing statutory framework concerning special casual leave provisions for infectious diseases. The earlier legal position did not explicitly list chickenpox, which is a common and highly contagious illness, among the conditions warranting such leave. By formally including it, the Government aimed to enhance employee welfare and align the rules with contemporary public health understanding. The policy rationale underscores the importance of providing adequate leave for recovery and preventing the spread of infectious diseases within the workplace. The legislation provided: "As per G.O. (P) No. 10/2024/Fin. dated 16th February, 2024, Government have decided to include "chickenpox" as item number 2 in the list of infectious diseases in Note 2 below clause (i) of rule 1, under the heading "SECTION II - SPECIAL CASUAL LEAVE", in APPENDIX VII, Part I of the Kerala Service Rules with effect from 1st February, 2024." This amendment ensures that employees suffering from chickenpox, or those needing to care for affected family members, can avail themselves of special casual leave without ambiguity, thereby promoting a healthier work environment and supporting employees during periods of illness. The retrospective application of the rules from February 1, 2024, further demonstrates the Government's commitment to promptly implementing this welfare measure.

Keywords: Kerala Service Rules, Special Casual Leave, Chickenpox, Government Employees, Kerala, Amendment, Public Services Act, Finance Department, Infectious Diseases

Geo Tags: India, Kerala District: Not Applicable