(a) The commissioner shall have the power to establish such programs of training and education related to mental illness as he shall deem desirable.

(b) The director of each facility in the office of mental health with the approval of the commissioner of mental health may establish and supervise training and education programs for employees. Directors of such facilities authorized to establish education or training programs may enter into agreements with educational institutions to furnish such education and training in whole or in part.

(c) The commissioner may grant leaves of absence to employees of the office of mental health for the purpose of receiving training or education for the better performance of their duties and, subject to the approval of the director of the budget, may continue the salaries of such employees, in full or in part, in an amount not to exceed reimbursement for the loss of earnings while receiving such training.