THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Government has issued an order prohibiting government employees from using unpaid leave to run business, including PSC coaching centres. The order was issued by changing the Kerala Service Rules. Violation of this will lead to termination from jobs. This is in the context of widespread complaints against government employees running PSC coaching centres.

A circular was issued in this regard on November 19, 2020. But it was only suggestive and violation is not actionable. If any action was taken, it can be questioned in court. Realizing this, KSR has amended the rules as the employees continue to take leave and run coaching centres.

Employees can take leave without pay under KSR. But, this is to go to work outside Kerala and abroad. But the action came after it was found that many people are misusing it.