Dear Editor, Through medium of your esteemed daily I would like to draw the attention of Government of Jammu and Kashmir that the present system of retirement age is totally against the welfare of younger generation. Increase in age of retirement from 58 years to 60 years is a great blunder committed by the previous Govt it has hampered the career of so many youths. It has also put extra financial burden on the Govt due to increase in their salaries and pension. Most critical position is seen in law and order enforcing departments where we need young and energetic people to control the mob etc.
There is an urgent need to reduce the retirement age. It would be better if following proposals are considered. a )Retirement policy for Govt jobs should be 25 years of service or 55 year of age whichever is later. This practice will open a lot of opportunities for the young generation.
b) Employees who wish to take voluntary retirement on completion of 20 years of service should be given full pension benefits. A special provision can be kept for the employee who is assessed with extraordinary professional competency , possessing extraordinary truthfulness, capabilities and sound health for extension of two years after attaining the age of 55 years. Even there would be no harm in repeating such extensions in exceptional cases up to 65 years.
c) By adopting this formula Govt will get rid of dead wood and unsuitable employees. Lot of opportunities will be opened for the young generation. Wage load on the exchequer will also be reduced.
d) On every stage of promotion there should be some professional test/evaluation and those who don’t qualify should not be given promotion. All inefficient employees or those who have had any enquiry for misconduct like corrupt activity against them ( even if no punishment was accorded ) be given forced retirement on completion of 20 years of service with due respect and all benefits.
It is also seen in some Departments like Social Welfare Aanganwari workers and helpers and without any accountability and retirement policy. Even in Medical Department under NRHM a lot of retired GNM/ANM have been re_employed which has totally blocked the opportunity for young qualified FMPHWs and other para medicos. I would like to draw the attention of Govt to give immediate retirement to those who have already attained the age of retirement, and open opportunity for new FMPHWs and other para medicos on Rehebre_Taleem pattern and also open opportunities in Anganwari centres.
Madan Lal Narad
Jammu