No Plans to Change Retirement Age of Government Employees, Confirms Govt

The Government of India has clarified that there are no plans to change the retirement age of government employees. This statement was made in response to a query raised in the Lok Sabha regarding possible changes in retirement policies for central and state government employees.

No Proposal to Increase or Decrease Retirement Age

The Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, informed the Parliament that the government has no proposal under consideration to alter the retirement age of government employees. The clarification comes amid widespread speculation and discussions regarding possible reforms in retirement policies.

Vacancies Created Due to Retirement Will Not Be Abolished

In response to another question about whether the government plans to abolish posts vacated due to employee retirements, the minister stated that there is no such policy. Vacancies created after retirement are not being eliminated, and there has been no directive to discontinue posts following retirements.

No Centralized Data on Retirement Age Across States

When asked about the retirement age for employees in different states, the government stated that such data is not maintained at the central level. The retirement age for government employees varies across different states, as the matter falls under the jurisdiction of state governments. Each state decides its own retirement policies based on local governance requirements and administrative considerations.

Why is Retirement Age Different for Central and State Employees?

The minister explained that the retirement age of government employees is not uniform across the country because it falls under the “State List” in India’s Constitution. This means that each state has the power to set its own retirement rules for employees working under its administration. In contrast, the central government decides the retirement policies for its own employees separately.

No Formal Demand from Employee Unions

The government also clarified that no formal proposal has been received from employees’ unions or organizations demanding changes in the retirement age. The staff side of the National Council (Joint Consultative Machinery), which represents central government employees, has not submitted any request in this regard.