Retirement Age Hike : The state government has taken a major decision in the interest of government employees. The government has approved the proposal to increase the retirement age of government employees, which was presented in the cabinet meeting. This decision has brought a wave of happiness among the employees. However, the government has also put a condition that the retirement age will be increased only when there is no eligible candidate available for promotion. This decision comes at a time when the government was under pressure to provide opportunities to young officers.
Retirement Age Hike by Two Years
According to the latest update on Govt Employees Retirement Age, the Pramod Sawant-led Goa government has taken a major decision on Wednesday by increasing the retirement age of Chief Engineers in the Public Works Department (PWD), Water Supply Department, Water Resources Department, and Goa Electricity Department from 60 to 62 years. Chief Minister Sawant has clarified that if an eligible candidate is available, the current Chief Engineer will not be given a service extension.
High Court Raised Objection
This step has been taken at a time when the government is facing allegations of repeatedly granting service extensions to officials. Recently, a senior Chief Engineer in the PWD was given a service extension three times after retirement. The Bombay High Court had strongly objected to this. In October, the High Court directed the state government and the Goa Public Service Commission to create a system that eliminates the need for service extensions.
Cabinet Gives Final Approval
The court had asked the government to amend recruitment rules or qualifications so that young officers could be given opportunities and vacant posts could be filled. However, the cabinet has instead amended the service rules, paving the way to retain senior engineers in service. This means that it may now become even more difficult for young talent to move up.
Employees Can Work Until 62
This decision indicates that the government wants to benefit from the experience of senior officers, but it may be disappointing for the younger generation. If no qualified young candidate is available for promotion to key positions like Chief Engineer, senior officials will be able to work until the age of 62. This arrangement will continue until a suitable candidate for promotion is found.
FAQ: Government Employees Retirement Age Increased to 62 Years
1. What decision has the state government recently taken regarding government employees?
The state government has approved a proposal to increase the retirement age of certain government employees, bringing joy to many employees.
2. How much has the retirement age been increased?
The retirement age has been increased by two years, from 60 to 62 years.
3. Which employees will benefit from this increased retirement age?
Chief Engineers working in the Public Works Department (PWD), Water Supply Department, Water Resources Department, and Goa Electricity Department will benefit from this decision.
4. Is there any condition for increasing the retirement age?
Yes. The retirement age will be increased only if no eligible candidate is available for promotion. If a qualified officer is available, the existing Chief Engineer will not receive an extension.
5. Why did the government take this decision?
The decision was taken to utilize the expertise and experience of senior officers. However, it comes at a time when the government was under pressure to give opportunities to younger officers.