Leave Preparatory to Retirement (LPR) provides government employees a period of earned leave before official retirement, allowing for a transition from active service. This page explains what LPR is, eligibility, application steps, compensation and pay structure during the LPR period, and recent rule updates for both Indian and Pakistani public sector employees based on authoritative sources as of August 2025.
Who This Applies To & Eligibility
- LPR mainly applies to permanent government servants—typically civil servants—approaching statutory retirement age.
- Eligibility criteria include confirmed service status and sufficient accumulated leave to cover the LPR period.
- Rules and entitlements may differ by jurisdiction, department, and cadre (e.g., Government of India service, Government of Punjab in Pakistan, federal universities, etc.).
- Relevant regulations include Rule 59 of the CCS (Pension) Rules (India) and Leave Ordinance/Statutes such as those outlined by University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan.
Key Facts (At-a-Glance)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Period of leave immediately preceding retirement to facilitate a smooth exit from service. |
| Eligibility | Permanently appointed government employees with accumulated earned leave; varies by employer and service rules. |
| Typical Duration | Up to 365 days (India, Pakistan); based on earned leave balance. Refer to specific rules for limits. |
| Application Timing | Should begin at least 8 months before retirement for Indian civil servants (official Delhi COA portal). |
| Pay/Allowance During LPR | Basic pay continues; certain allowances may be suspended if the leave exceeds specified duration (e.g., 120 days in Punjab, Pakistan, official notification). |
| Leave Salary | Paid as per last drawn pay; deductions may apply for specific cases. |
| Jurisdictions | India (CCS Rules, state variations), Pakistan (federal and provincial regulations). |
| Forms & Processes | Apply through official HR/payroll channels; forms vary by organization and ministry. |
| Pension Calculation | LPR period counts as service; pension based on last pay drawn. |
| Recent Updates | Allowance eligibility and LPR scheduling continue to be updated—see official department notifications. |
Application Steps & Timeline
- Review your service record to confirm eligibility and available earned leave balance.
- Submit LPR application via official channels (departmental HR, administration, DDO) at least 8 months prior to intended retirement date (COA Delhi guidance).
- Ensure all prior leaves are duly recorded and no disciplinary proceedings are ongoing.
- HR will verify leave balance and forward for necessary approvals.
- Once approved, LPR starts on the sanctioned date; employee is relieved from active duties but continues to draw leave salary until official retirement.
- Coordinate with finance/payroll for final settlement and pension paperwork, as LPR may impact calculation windows.
Pay, Allowances & Service Impact
- During LPR, employees generally continue to receive basic pay and certain admissible allowances. LPR is treated as duty for pension and retirement benefits calculation.
- Some special allowances—for example, Special Allowance @ 20% of basic pay in Punjab Civil Secretariat (Pakistan)—are not admissible if LPR exceeds 120 days (official notification).
- No earned leave or service seniority accrues during LPR itself (final period of active service is effectively paused, except for calculation purposes).
Rules, Entitlements & Regional Examples
| Jurisdiction/Agency | LPR Max Duration | Pay Entitlement | Special Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| India (Central Govt. – CCS) | Up to 300 days earned leave (accumulated/sanctioned) Ref: Rule 59 CCS(Pension) |
Full salary; some allowances; must apply 8 months before retirement | Counts for pension; must not delay pension process (COA) |
| Pakistan (Punjab/Federal Govt.) | Up to 365 days, if earned leave is available | Salary as per leave ordinance; some special allowances suspended if LPR exceeds stated limit | 20% special allowance cut for >120 days LPR in Punjab Civil Secretariat (notification) |
| Universities (e.g., UET Pakistan) | As per institutional statutes (subject to leave on half average pay, etc.) | Full/partial pay (see rules); usually must be permanent staff | Varies; LPR period is treated as service for terminal benefits (UET Statutes) |
Benefits & Rationale
- LPR supports a smoother transition from duty to retirement, allowing employees to settle personal and administrative matters.
- Continued salary aids financial planning in the pre-retirement period.
- Institutional HR can finalize retirement and pension processes while the employee is on LPR.
Common Pitfalls & Compliance Notes
- Applying late (not adhering to 8-month pre-retirement application as required in some jurisdictions) may delay pension and final settlement (COA guideline).
- Leaving before resolving any outstanding vigilance or disciplinary matters can affect LPR entitlement.
- Misunderstanding the impact of LPR on allowances can lead to overestimation of retirement income (e.g., loss of special allowance as per Punjab notification).
- Confirm specific leave and allowance rules under your employing institution’s ordinance/statutes for any variations.
Special Allowances, Deductions & Withholding
- Allowance eligibility is often impacted during LPR—review latest circulars for details (e.g., Punjab’s rule on 20% Special Allowance in Secretariat cadres).
- Taxation of leave salary follows normal payroll tax withholding rules; verify updates from tax authorities annually.
- Retirement gratuity and pension are based on last pay drawn; ensure leave records are updated before entering LPR.
Comparisons & Special Cases
Similar Leave Provisions and Alternatives
- LPR is distinct from other types of terminal leave, such as “leave not due,” “leave on half average pay,” or encashment of earned leave without going on leave.
- In most systems, employees may choose to encash (commute) a portion of their earned leave at retirement rather than taking LPR, subject to statutory maximums.
- Rules differ for contract staff, temporary employees, or those lacking sufficient service for LPR; check departmental guidance for these cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should Leave Preparatory to Retirement be applied for?
- Generally, at least 8 months before planned retirement (India, as per Rule 59 CCS Pension Rules and COA Delhi).
- Earlier applications help prevent processing delays in pension and benefits.
What is the maximum duration of LPR, and can all earned leave be availed as LPR?
- Up to 365 days (Pakistan), or typically 300 days earned leave (India).
- Only as much earned leave as is actually available can be taken; unavailed leave may be encashed as allowed.
Are all allowances paid during the LPR period?
- Some allowances, especially special/extra allowances, may be suspended if LPR exceeds set thresholds (e.g., 120 days in Punjab Secretariat).
- Basic pay and certain standard allowances usually continue throughout LPR.
Conclusion & Next Steps
- LPR is an important option for eligible permanent government staff approaching retirement; timely application ensures uninterrupted benefits and smooth retirement processing.
- Verify your department’s latest LPR guidelines, especially on application timing, pay, and allowance entitlements, from official HR or finance offices and published notifications.
- For current official rules: consult your employer’s central office, HR department, or links to rules such as COA Delhi Chapter 6, UET Leave Statutes, or Punjab Secretariat notification.