West Bengal Cancels Employee Leaves Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

The West Bengal government has taken a decisive step in response to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan by cancelling the leaves of all state government employees. The directive, issued on Thursday, aims to ensure that all personnel are on duty as the situation unfolds.

The state finance department's notification highlighted the 'current situation' as the primary reason for this sudden decision, indicating the gravity of the developing international circumstances. This applies across all employee categories, even impacting those previously granted leave, who are now required to return to their duties.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reinforced this decision on Wednesday, clarifying that no employee is to leave their headquarters without explicit written permission from their department heads. The only exception to this order is for employees on medical leave, who will be exempted from the mandate.

(With inputs from agencies.)