Rather high proportion of central govt staffers nearing retirement

About 30 per cent of the 3.3 million central government staffers are in the age group of 50-60 years and, hence, are due to retire in the next decade. The 7th pay commission took data from each ministry and department for the age groups of 20-30 years, 30-40 years, 40-50 years and 50-60 years. Analysis showed an unusually large percentage in the 50-60 years group in certain ministries and departments.

For instance, almost 75 per cent of personnel in the ministry of textiles are in this category. It is 64 per cent in coal, 62 per cent in urban development, 60 per cent in petroleum and natural gas, 57 per cent in science and technology, 56 per cent in heavy industry, 52 per cent in new and renewable energy, 51 per cent in Indian systems of medicine and 50 per cent in power.

 

The commission's report also recommends lowering the non-practising allowance for government doctors to 20 per cent of pay from the existing 25 per cent. And, that parental leave for women be reduced to 80 per cent pay in the second year, as against the current practice of full paid leave for two years. And, a lowering of the house rental allowance to 24 per cent of pay in cities with a population of five million or above, from the current 30 per cent.

At present, the children's education allowance of Rs 2,350 a month could be claimed each month. The report has recommended it be claimed only once a year. The Confederation of

All Central Sector Group-A Employees might meet the finance minister on Monday to express disagreements with some of the recommendations.