The General Administration Department has issued instructions directing employees to use the Human Resource Management System (HMRS) portal or mobile application for all types of leave applications. The new rule covers Casual Leave (CL), Earned Leave (EL), and other categories of leave available to government employees.

Officials said the move is part of the state's broader effort to improve governance through technology and reduce dependence on manual paperwork. Under the new system, leave requests submitted through traditional handwritten or printed applications will no longer be accepted.

To use the facility, employees must first register themselves on the HMRS platform by downloading the mobile application or accessing the online portal. Once registered, they can submit leave requests digitally from any location without visiting their office to file an application.

The approval process has also been integrated into the online system. Concerned officers will review applications electronically and either approve or reject them through the HMRS platform. This means the complete workflow—from application submission to final approval—will be handled digitally.

Government officials believe the change will significantly improve efficiency in personnel management. Employees will be able to track the status of their leave requests in real time and receive updates regarding approvals or pending applications without relying on manual communication.

The transition is also expected to reduce delays that often occur in traditional file-based processing. Since applications will be available instantly to authorized officers, decisions can be made more quickly, improving overall administrative functioning.

Another key feature of the new system is the creation of a comprehensive digital leave record for every employee. The HMRS platform will automatically maintain details of leave availed, remaining leave balance, pending requests and past approvals. This information will be accessible whenever required, eliminating the need to search through physical records.

Administrative experts view the move as an important step toward modernising human resource management in government departments. Digital records not only improve transparency but also help departments monitor workforce availability and plan staffing requirements more effectively.

The Bihar government has increasingly focused on technology-driven governance initiatives in recent years. The mandatory online leave system aligns with broader efforts to enhance accountability, improve service delivery and streamline administrative processes across departments.

Employees are expected to benefit from the convenience offered by the system. Instead of preparing physical applications and obtaining signatures through multiple levels, staff members can complete the process using a smartphone or computer. This is particularly useful for employees posted in remote areas or those requiring urgent leave approvals.

Officials have also indicated that the digital platform will help reduce paperwork and administrative costs over time. By maintaining centralized records, departments can improve data management while ensuring greater transparency in leave administration.

With the new rules now in effect, government employees across Bihar are being encouraged to complete their HMRS registration and familiarize themselves with the online process. The administration expects the transition to create a more efficient, transparent and technology-enabled leave management system for the state's workforce.