Retirement Age 62 yrs?

What is the background behind this news?

Right now, the retirement age for Central Government employees is 60. While news has circulated that the Government has decided to raise the age to 62, no decisions have been made regarding this during the Cabinet Committee meeting that was held on 28.02.2014. There also have been no reports of any discussions on this issue.

It has become almost a routine for such stories to circulate each year, only to be followed by statements that they were mere rumours. But, it is interesting to note that this year, it looked as if the story might have some truth in it.

Two reasons could be attributed for the spreading of the story this time –

Firstly, the fact that recommendations have been made to raise the retirement age for the Parliamentary Committee to 65.

Then, there are the fast-nearing Lok Sabha polls.

The spate of rumours began ever since the Parliamentary Committee submitted its report to the Central Government in the first week of February. One of the points mentioned in it was its recommendation that the retirement age for Central Government employees be increased to 65.

It has to be stressed very strongly here that none of the central government employee unions or federations had presented any demand seeking a hike in retirement age.

Initial reports said that raising the age to 65 was impossible, however, it could be revised to 62.

Then, rumours began about the date of implementation of this decision. With that the excitement and buzz increased. Persons with contacts in the power circles first began writing in various forums that the decision would be implemented as of January 1st later became March 1, 2014.

Many were angry when they were told that that decision wouldn’t apply for those retiring in February! When the decision was made in February to be implemented in March, it should also be applicable for those who retired in February, they protested!

Opposition to the decision to raise the age of superannuation also began to grow. Tempers began to flare up. A number of people who opposed this decision began to write angry articles.

Unemployment would increase.

Promotions would get affected.

Retirement age should be fixed at 55...etc.

Countless such opinions appeared at various forums. Heated debates ensued.

Soon, the noise became so loud that even leading newspapers, magazines, blogs and websites couldn’t ignore it any longer and were compelled to carry this news.

Due to the elections!

The argument, that the Government was making all these populist decisions in order to win the support of a segment of the voters, was very convincing. Proof of this fact is the series of heated discussions and the subsequent withdrawals of strike notices by various organizations.

Also, the argument, that the decision regarding this issue has to be made before the MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT was enforced, made it all the more believable.

Finally, since the CABINET COMMITTEE meeting of 28.02.2014 was going to be the last one to be called by this UPA Government, and since the decision had to be made before the election rules and regulations came into effect, there was excitement and tension in the air.

Central Government employees all over India were eagerly waiting for the Cabinet decision and announcement in this regard.

As hours went by, at around 12 PM, it was announced that a decision has been made to issue 10% Dearness Allowance. Then, for a number of hours, there was nothing. Even after it was announced that the session had ended, it was saddening to see a section of the people waiting hopefully, asking questions.

After raising the expectations of countless people who were waiting for announcements on decisions regarding 10% Dearness Allowance, 50% D.A Merger, Consent to 7th CPC ToR, and to raise the retirement age to 62, the meeting ended, leaving them more confused than before.

There was no information regarding RETIREMENT AGE...!

Some were relieved that the retirement age was not raised...!

It looked as if some were wondering if they deserved to be treated this callously...!

Some even believe that it was a sly Government ploy to escape from the pressure that all the Central Government employee unions and federations would exert.

It is now being said that at the CABINET COMMITTEE meeting, they suggested that the increase expenses due to 50% DA Merge could be compensated by raising the RETIREMENT AGE, but, at the face of intense opposition, both these proposals were dropped.

Now, nobody is ready to believe anything!