Optional retirement

However, implementation of the new pay scale will increase the revenue expenditure of the government in a big way. And it will indeed be a great burden on the government exchequer. In this context the government will have to explore the avenues of reducing expenditure on these accounts. Reducing the service period for optional retirement may be an option in this regard. At present a government servant can retire after serving for 25 years in the government. After serving this period most officials attain the age between 50-55. Thereafter they have very little energy and enthusiasm to venture into new areas. But if the service period for optional retirement is reduced to 20 years, a good number of government officials may be willing to go for optional retirement. This will significantly reduce the government expenditure on account of pay and allowances of the government officials as the government will be then able to recruit new staffs and officers at a much lower pay. Also the government will have to pay less on account of pension. Further it will help to reduce the already existing unemployment problem to a great extent.

In this regard, there is fear that if the old officials are allowed to go earlier then the government will be deprived of an efficient and experienced administration. But such fear is unfounded. It can be reasonably expected that today's youth will be more amenable to the idea of modern administration and as they have greater exposure and computer literacy they will be able to perform in a better way. In view of these realitie, it is imperative for the government to seriously consider reducing the age of optional retirement.