Sick Leave and Holidays in Haryana: What Are the Legal Requirements for Employers?

Hi Folks,

I have a few queries:

What is the law for sick leave as per Haryana State Standing Orders?

Is it mandatory to provide sick leave to employees as per the Factory Act and State Standing Orders?

How many holidays are mandatory under the Factory Act?

Sick Leave and Casual Leave Regulations

The Factories Act does not mandate the payment of wages for leaves taken by any worker due to sickness (sick leave) or special unforeseen circumstances (casual leave). However, the Act provides for earned leave only. The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Rules of Haryana state are also silent regarding sick leave.

Provisions Under the Punjab Industrial Establishments Act

The Punjab Industrial Establishments (National and Festival Holidays and Casual and Sick Leave) Act, 1965, applicable to factories and commercial establishments in Haryana, provides for seven days of casual leave and fourteen days of sick leave annually. Sick leave is not granted to those already receiving sickness benefits from the ESIC or sickness allowance from plantations. The rate of wages for sick leave is one-half of the average wages.

Please refer to any subsequent amendments, as the number of sick leaves has been reduced to seven, possibly by making them fully paid.