Setback for govt employees; pension age will not be raised to 60, cabinet meeting rejects recommendation of Administrative Reforms Commission

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a setback to the government employees of Kerala, the cabinet meeting has decided not to approve the Administrative Reforms Commission's recommendation to increase the pension age to 60. At the same time, the cabinet meeting approved the recommendations of the secretary-level committee chaired by the chief secretary, appointed to examine the recommendations of the Fourth Administrative Reforms Commission, with amendments.

The Department of Administrative Reforms has been tasked with framing the Kerala Civil Service Code. Probation in both the Subordinate Services and the State Services will be allowed only once. All departments will be instructed to frame special rules within two years. Positions created for specific objectives will be abolished once the objectives are achieved, and employees from those departments will be redeployed to other departments as needed. A joint committee, including representatives from service organizations, will be formed to resolve disputes related to transfers, according to a press release issued after the cabinet meeting.

If specialized knowledge is required for promotion, an eligibility test will be conducted to acquire it. Annual health checkups will be implemented for all employees. Disciplinary proceedings against employees must be completed at least one month prior to their retirement.

Vacancies should be reported

• Appointing authorities should report vacancies in departments to the PSC every year, and they should not be cancelled. Appointments through by-transfer will also be handled via the PSC.
• Employment appointments cannot be made to positions for which a rank list exists. Vacancies in each position must be made available through the SPARK system.
• Procedures for retirement benefits will be simplified. The link office system in the Secretariat will be expanded to all offices.
• Appointments to reserved posts for persons with disabilities will be expedited. Suitable posts and qualifications for these appointments will be clearly specified.