Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Nov 27: A delegation of members of Public Service Commissions (PSC) from different States, led by K S Tomar, Chairman of the Standing Committee of National Conference of State Public Service Commissions called on Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh and demanded enhancement in retirement age of the members of various State PSCs from 62 years to 65 years, at par with the retirement age of members of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
A memorandum submitted to Dr Jitendra Singh stated that, by virtue of Article 315 (2) of Indian Constitution, a member of a Public Service Commission (PSC) shall hold office for a term of 6 years from the date on which he enters upon his office or until he attains, in the case of Union Commission the age of 65 years, and in the case of State Commission or a Joint Commission the age of 62 years whichever is earlier. The members noted that while the age of the retirement for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Members is 65 years, the age of retirement for State PSC is only 62 years. Since both the Commissions exercise similar powers and perform identical functions, they pleaded that the classification based on age for the purpose of retirement is unreasonable and requested that this discrimination to be removed.
The memorandum also argued that the extension of benefit of enhancing retirement age of members of State PSC will, bring out commensurate benefits of greater experience and maturity while taking decisions in the matter of appointment to senior levels in the Government. Increasing the age of retirement of State PSC members by 3 more years, at par with UPSC members will also help to restrict the occurrence of new vacancies on account of early superannuation.
The other demands listed in the memorandum included provision for protecting Chairman and Members of PSC from unwarranted litigation, parity in the pay, allowances and pension for Chairman and Members of PSCs which presently varies from State to State and financial autonomy.
Dr Jitendra Singh gave a patient hearing to the deputation and said, the issues raised by them will be taken up appropriately.
Follow our WhatsApp channel