Retirement Age of Babus to be enhanced?
IN the last couple of weeks there has been a strong rumour doing the rounds that the retirement age of the Central Government employees will be increased to 65 or at least 62. We have been flooded with calls and mails on the veracity of the rumour.
What is the story?
The Standing Committee on Social Justice And Empowerment (2013-2014)of the Ministry of Social Justice And Empowerment submitted its 39th report to the Lok Sabha on 7.2.2014.
In para 2.7 of the report, the Committee noted:
The Committee also sought the views of the Ministry as to how the age group of 60-70 years of the population can be made more productive. The Ministry stated in a written reply: -
"The National Policy of Senior Citizen recognises ‘Productive ageing' as key to ensuring well-being of the senior citizens. In this regard, the policy promotes measures to create avenues for continuity in employment and/or post retirement opportunities; setting up of a Directorate of Employment to enable seniors find re-employment opportunities; the age of retirement be reviewed by the Government due to increasing longevity and to re-employ people over the age of 60 years and encourage them to work till the age of 75 .
Further, Special programmes will be designed and disseminated through the media in order to educate society to appreciate and respect the contribution of senior citizens, especially older women, in running the household. Similarly, senior Citizens will be motivated to contribute their experience and knowledge to integrate tradition with contemporary needs and transmit more effectively socio-cultural heritage to the grandchildren".
In para 5 of its recommendations, the Committee recommended,
The Committee feel that with the increase in the life expectancy and relatively better state of health of people, the Government need to look at continuity of employment upto 65 years /or greater post retirement opportunities for the senior citizens so that the society continue to draw upon their experience and tap their talent. The Committee would like the Ministry to seriously consider the various options which would include reviewing the age of retirement, reemployment opportunities for the retired persons subject to their physical fitness and mental agility and setting up a Directorate of Employment and Rehabilitation for Senior Citizens .
It is doubtful whether the concerned Government officers have read the Committee's report, but obviously some people did read the report and passed on the information that Government is going to increase the retirement age.
If somebody can tell the correct persons in Government that this will fetch votes and seats in the next elections, maybe Government will consider the proposal. After all everything is fair in elections!