Punjab Government is expected to decide whether its employees would hang up their gloves at the age of 58, during its forthcoming Cabinet meeting, scheduled to be held on August 4.
The move, if approved, will knock out about 6,500 employees, falling in the age bracket of 58-60, generating further employment.
Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, who has been engaged since over a week in performing last rites of his mother Rajmata Mohinder Kaur — who passed away on July 24 after prolonged illness, will head the meeting.
The State Government has already decided to alter the policy to provide two-year extension on attaining the age of superannuation, by fixing the same at 58 — with sole aim of generating more jobs.
A senior Government functionary, requesting anonymity, told The Pioneer that in case the decision was implemented, atleast five persons would get a job in the salary of one person the Government is giving presently.
The official said that the Government is figuring out that what would be the financial implications of the decision. “Yes, it will help in saving some money on one hand by employing more and more, but would also demand more in terms of retirement benefits to be paid to those who would be affected by the decision,” said the official, adding that money is the big issue for the “cash-strapped” Government as of now.
“For creating employee opportunities, there are two ways. One is to bring in industries and second is to cut down the retirement age. Government is making efforts to bring in industries but it would take time to set up its infrastructure and then create jobs. Reducing retirement age is a policy decision which can be taken anytime,” said the official.
It is believed that the decision, to fix compulsory retirement age for its older Government employees to create jobs for qualified youth, would bring in greater efficiency considering increasing use of computers in Government works in which youngsters are capable and also because if their enthusiasm to perform better.
At the same time, it is believed that the Government would lose experienced hands.
Notably, generating over one lakh jobs is the major poll promise of the Congress party, in which it has failed to make any mark. Only recently, the Government has launched 100 bike taxis in Mohali, ludhiana, Zirakpur and Kharar, in collaboration with Uber, as a part of its ‘Apni Gaddi, Apna Rozgaar’ scheme.
As per the data provided by the labour Bureau, Punjab has an unemployment rate of six percent in 2015. It had 4,29,883 Government employees and paid over Rs31,000 crore annually in salaries and pensions.
Even as the State youth is keeping a close tab on the next Cabinet meeting, the Government employees are also eyeing the same as the decision would have a direct bearing on them.
A Government employee shared with The Pioneer that those nearing the retirement age are already feeling disinterested in the work.