Centre likely to raise age of retirement of scientists to 65

Source: The post is based on the article “Centre likely to raise age of retirement of scientists to 65” published in “The Hindu” on 16th October 2023

What is the News?

The Ministry of Science and Technology is considering a plan to increase the retirement age of scientists from 60 to 65. 

What is the current retirement age of scientists?

Currently, Scientists in most wings of the government retire at 60.But those working at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) retire at 62.

Why is the government planning to increase the retirement age of scientists?

Government is planning to increase the retirement age of scientists to prevent experienced scientists from leaving for universities and institutes where the retirement age is already 65.

Was this proposal on increasing the retirement age of scientists considered earlier?

In 2015, the Government was planning to increase the retirement age of scientists but it was not implemented.

So far, the government has been giving scientists who are near retirement, ‘extensions’ that may increase their tenure by two or up to five years.

Government has also opted for short-term contracts to retain valuable senior employees.