Dear Mayank Sir,
This is an off-beat question and I am hoping you can help me.
While we have parental leave, maternity leave, etc, do Indian companies have special leave, WFH, etc, for pet emergencies?
If not, is it okay to request HR to consider it or will it come across as frivolous?
For those of us who have pets, they are as much our family as humans are and sometimes they do face emergency health or other situations.
Thank you,
Ravi

Ans:

Hi Anand.

First of all, your employer is legally liable to provide paid leave. You must raise this issue with your management along with other colleagues.

You can even take the matter to the labour authorities.

At the same time, leaving your job without a proper back-up plan is not at all advisable.

If you want to start your own business, make a proper plan first and see if you can test it before you leave your job.

Ans: Mr. Raju. Given your unique work situation and the need for comprehensive health coverage that includes helicopter ambulance services, here are some health insurance policies you may consider:

Global Health Policies: These policies offer coverage both internationally and domestically. They provide extensive coverage for hospitalization, outpatient treatments, and emergency medical evacuation, including helicopter ambulance services.

Marine Crew Insurance: Specialized policies designed for individuals working in marine or offshore sectors. They offer coverage tailored to the needs of seafarers, including emergency medical evacuation.

International Health Insurance: These policies offer worldwide coverage and are suitable for individuals who travel frequently for work. They provide comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, including emergency services and evacuation.

Critical Illness Cover: Considering the nature of your work and frequent travels, a critical illness cover can be added to your health insurance policy to provide financial support in case of serious illnesses.

Things to Consider:

Coverage Area: Ensure the policy covers medical treatments in the countries you frequent for work.
Emergency Evacuation: Confirm that the policy includes coverage for emergency medical evacuation, including helicopter ambulance services.
Policy Renewability: Opt for a policy with lifetime renewability to ensure continuous coverage.
Sum Insured: Choose a sum insured amount based on your healthcare needs and the cost of medical treatments in the countries you visit.
Please consult with an insurance advisor or broker to find the best policy that meets your specific requirements and provides comprehensive coverage both in India and internationally. Ensure you read the policy documents carefully to understand the coverage, exclusions, and terms and conditions before purchasing.

Ans: according to Section 10(10AA) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, leave encashment received by a non-government employee at the time of retirement is eligible for a tax exemption up to a certain limit. As of my last update, the exemption is provided to the extent of least of the following three amounts:

The actual amount of leave encashment received.
The amount specified by the government (Rs. 3 lakhs in this case, as you mentioned).
The average salary of the last 10 months preceding retirement, multiplied by the number of days of earned leave at the credit of the employee at the time of retirement, divided by 30.
If your employer has not mentioned this exemption in your Form 16, it could be an administrative oversight. It's generally the responsibility of the employer to correctly calculate and mention such exemptions in the Form 16.

In case your Form 16 does not include the correct exemption for leave encashment and you are eligible for the exemption, you should contact your employer to rectify the Form 16

Ans: Dear

It all depends upon the policies of the company, each have their own.

All the best

Ans: Dear Mr.Sagar

I can understand your predicament it's very stressful.

However please remember just as you have needs so also the company and you need to respect their needs as well.

Today all companies are wanting employees back in office.

Suggest you look at alternate jobs and part ways with your current company in an healthy positive way.

All the best.