The government is "seriously considering" raising the retirement age of scientists, Union Minister Jitendra Singh today said.
He, however, clarified that the proposal to increase the age of scientists was limited to his ministries.
"The government is seriously thinking of enhancing the retirement age of the scientists to 62. The kind of acumen they achieve by the time they reach the age of 60 should be put to use for another two years. We would seriously work on the feasibility of this proposal," the Minister said.
Apart from the PMO's office, Singh is also in charge of Ministries of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Departments of Atomic Energy and Space and Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions.
He added that a proposal of increasing the age of scientists is being deliberated as it requires approvals from different ministries to take the "positive steps".
Currently, the retirement age of Central government employees is 60. Many scientists serve in different ministries other than core sciences. Also, there are several scientists heading different ministries and departments have crossed their retirement age, but have been retained by the government owing to their experience and expertise.
