In the daily functioning of the postal department, many employees — especially Postal Assistants (PAs) — often find themselves navigating rules related to leave and movement during holidays. Among the most misunderstood concepts are Headquarters Leave Permission (commonly referred to as Station Leave) and Casual Leave (CL). Though these may appear similar, they are entirely distinct in purpose and procedure.
Who Can Grant Station Leave?
In a Head Post Office (HPO), the Head Postmaster (HPM) holds the authority to grant station leave to Postal Assistants working in the head office or in the office of the Superintendent (Supdt). This permission is separate from any sanctioned leave like CL and applies even on holidays.
What Is Station Leave or Headquarters Leave Permission?
Station Leave — more formally known as Headquarters Leave Permission — is required when an employee wishes to leave the geographical limits of their duty headquarters, typically beyond 8 kilometers, even if it is a Sunday or public holiday.
This is a standing rule of the Government of India:
Any government servant is required to seek written permission before leaving their headquarters during holidays if the travel is beyond a reasonable distance (usually 8 km or more).
-
If the employee is a Postal Assistant or subordinate staff, they must get written permission from the Postmaster (PM) or Sub-Postmaster (SPM).
-
If the person in question is the PM or SPM, they are required to take permission from the Divisional Head (DH) or the controlling authority.
How Is It Different from Casual Leave (CL)?
This is where many employees get confused. Casual Leave (CL) is formal leave granted for personal reasons, emergencies, or other short absences. It is a type of sanctioned leave and is recorded officially.
Headquarters Leave Permission, on the other hand:
-
Is not a type of leave.
-
Is only permission to leave station limits, particularly on non-working days.
-
Does not count as absence or leave in service records.
-
Must be sought even if the person is not availing CL, especially on Sundays and holidays.
Why It Matters Even for Daily Commuters
Now here’s an interesting point — and a common frustration:
Even daily up-downers (employees who commute daily from home) are technically required to seek permission on holidays if they plan to leave their headquarters.
Yes, even if their hometown is within 20 km, they must take written permission to leave — such are the nuances of the rule! 😅
While this may sound unnecessary or bureaucratic, the underlying idea is to ensure accountability during emergencies. If a staff member is needed at short notice, the administration should know whether they are within reach or not.
In Summary:
| Aspect | Casual Leave (CL) | Headquarters Leave Permission (Station Leave) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Leave from duty | Permission to leave HQ on off days |
| Applies on | Working days | Sundays/holidays |
| Needs sanction? | Yes, by PM/SPM | Yes, by PM/SPM (or DH if PM himself) |
| Distance criteria | Not relevant | Required if going beyond 8 km |
| Type of record | Leave record | Not leave, only movement permission |
For postal employees, especially those working in Head Offices or under divisional control, it is crucial to follow both leave procedures and movement permissions correctly. The difference between station leave and casual leave may seem minor — but misunderstanding it can lead to unnecessary disciplinary issues.
Always remember:
If it’s a holiday and you plan to travel beyond 8 km from your workplace, get written permission — whether or not you’re on leave.