Compulsory Retirement under CCS Rules ; Central Government employees over 50/55 worried

The Armed Forces, Railways, Defence, and Deaprtment of Post are among the largest employers under the control of the Central Government. The largest among them, the Railways, employs more than 13 lakh employees. In all, the Central Government employees more than 34 lakh, and has more than 38 lakh pensioners on its list.

The Centre has now ordered the implementation of an old and forgotten law. According to Section 56 (J) and 56 (I) or Rule 48(1) (b) of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972, the performances of those between the ages of 50 and 55, and those who have completed 30 years of service must be reviewed by senior officers once every three months, vis. Jan to Mar, Apr to Jun, Jul to Sep and Oct to Dec. All the departments have been ordered to review the performances and implement this rule immediately. And also advised to constitute a Review Committee consisting of two Members at appropriate level.

Relevant orders to this effect were issued on September 11. Senior officials and employees of various departments are confused and terrified following the orders.

Some claim that the government has taken this step to stifle the indefinite strike to be held in November. The Central Government employees union and the railway employees’ union claim that, armed with this rule, the government can send home workers under the compulsory retirement scheme.

The order quoted, “If conduct of a government employee becomes unbecoming to the public interest or obstructs the efficiency in public services, the government has an absolute right to compulsorily retire such an employee in public interest.”

Worse hit due to the new rule are the senior and experienced members of the staff. These employees are already affected by denial of increments and de-promotions. The federations claim that the Centre is treating these experienced employees as unreliable and talentless manpower and is hell-bent on terminating their services.

The government is conspiring to use this law and give compulsory retirement to employees over the age of 50/55 by branding them as unfit for work. The law also makes it possible for the government to find faults with their work.

The move is intended to intimidate the employees into not participating in the indefinite strike in November.