Retirement Age Big Update: Recently, the Central Government clarified its position regarding the retirement age of government employees. For some months now, rumors were afloat regarding the increase or decrease in the retirement age. Speculations were rife, with many employees wondering if there could be a lowering of the retirement age. Union Minister of State for Personnel Dr. Jitendra Singh, putting an end to all speculation, has made it clear that the government has no such plans.
No Change In Retirement Age
Answering Rajya Sabha MP Tejveer Singh’s question, the Government clarified that there is at present no proposal for a reduction or increase in the retirement age. He also clarified that there should be no flexibility in the retirement age itself. This answer is especially important for those employees who are looking for early retirement or would like to continue in service for a bit longer.
Retirement Arrangements As Per Current Rules
In the case of central government employees, right now a retirement age is fixed and accordingly, retirement is effected. However, there exists some provision under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021 and the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, where an employee may retire before the due age. By an exercise of such rules, the employees have the prerogative to decide to retire prematurely depending upon their wishes and circumstances.
Reasons And Rules Associated With Premature Retirement
There can be many a reason for employees wanting premature retirement-from health issues to personal concerns, family obligations, and even the plans of starting off with a business. The rules under the Central Government permit such i.e. premature retirement. Nevertheless, for them, some stipulations and conditions would have to be fulfilled.
Existing Provisions In Pension Rules
To make a statement under the conditions prescribed there, the pension regulations made by the government provide for premature retirement. Such official regulations stipulate that on fulfilling prescribed conditions, an employee may retire prematurely at his own will. This interesting scheme provides for an opportunity for the employees to improve their future planning and implement it.
Clearing Up The Rumours
These days, some time back, some gossip was flying around in social media and other platforms that the government is thinking of changing the retirement age. In some places, it was even said that increasing the retirement age from 60 to 62 or 65 years was being contemplated. The central government has put the final nail in the coffin of all these rumours and has firmly declared that there is no such plan at the moment.
What The Government Spokesman Said
Union Minister of State for Personnel Dr. Jitendra Singh while answering on this issue in Rajya Sabha said that the central government is neither thinking about reducing nor increasing retirement age. He also added that the government is not formulating any policy or scheme to bring the flexibility in the retirement age. This information, therefore, assumes significance for all employees while planning their future, thinking of retirement age.
Some Important Information For Employees
This information is very important for all central employees. Now that the retirement age is assured to remain unchanged, the employees may plan their futures accordingly. Employees meant for early retirement should avail of the same presently under the existing rules if they fulfill the said conditions.
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