Govt: Can retire central staffers prematurely

The Centre has made it clear it can, in public interest, prematurely retire its employees at any time even after they have attained the age of 50/55 years or completed 30 years of qualifying service, and not limit their ‘performance review’ to these two set milestones laid down in the pension rules. Moreover, even government employees cleared to be retained in service as per FR 56(j) and Rules 48 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, may face further review at any time during their remaining service.

Government sources say the new rules seek to remove any ambiguity in interpretation of orders issued earlier. The earlier orders were regarding Fundamental Rule 56(j)/l and Rule 48 of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, which provide for review of performance of a government servant after attaining 50/55 years of age or on completion of 30 years of qualifying service, with a view to ascertain if he should be retained in service or retired in public interest.

If a review cannot be undertaken due to non-adherence of set timelines due to administrative exigencies, the updated norms state in ‘black and white’ that such review can be undertaken at any time during his remaining service. That the August 28 O.M. eliminated the scope of ambiguity on whether the government servant is immune to a review of his performance and premature retirement.