Female Civil Servants can take up to 3 months leave for Dharma practice

"This is paid leave," PM's Office Minister Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan said after she emerged from the Cabinet meeting.

According to her, the programme is launched on the auspicious occasion of HM the King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th birthday anniversary this year.

"His Majesty has emphasised that all civil servants should be virtuous and honest," Dhipavadee said.

She said the programme would allow the civil servants to receive better living experiences, after which they could also return to work with increased efficiency.

Dhipavadee said interested female civil servants could submit applications to the National Buddhism Bureau, which would organise Dharma-practice trips for them.

"With the help of the bureau, the civil servants can make the trips in group and we can evaluate their practice," she said.

However, all female civil servants must receive prior approval from their supervisors to take such leave.

By the government regulations, male civil servants can take paid ordination leave once in their services and the leave can be up to three months.

The Nation