In the midst of heated discussions on raising the retirement age of government employees, the State Government recently issued an order raising the retirement age of a post at the Agricultural Income Tax and Sales Tax Appellate Tribunal from the existing 56 years to 60 years.
In an evident move to extend the service of an officer who retired in last June, the Cabinet had given nod for raising the retirement age of member (Accounts) to 60 years.
The GO, dated July 28, had specifically mentioned the request of Tribunal Chairman to enhance the retirement age of P V John, member (Accounts) who retired from service on June 30. Surprisingly the order has retrospective effect from June 30.
Chartered Accountants are eligible for the post of member (Accounts), which is either filled up as direct recruitment or as deputation of Class I officer of Indian Audit and Accounts Service or Indian Revenue Service.
When contacted, Padmanabha Pillai, Additional Secretary, Taxes Department, stated that the government took the decision as there was dearth of qualified hands.
“Young chartered accountants do not prefer government jobs. Also, there are not much experienced people,” he said. However, before coming to the conclusion on the dearth of aspirants for the post, the government has not called for a PSC notification.
“No, we haven’t given any notification. From our experience, there is a shortage of experienced people. So this order was released considering the special case,” Pillai said. He said that state government had raised the retirement age for the Industrial Tribunal and Vigilance Tribunal in the past.
On the retrospective effect of the order, Pillai admitted that it was included to re-induct John. On why other options such as contract or re-employment were not considered, Pillai said: “Shouldn’t it be acceptable to him (P V John)?”.
The Chartered Accountant member in the Tribunal is selected and appointed by the PSC. At present, there are only two posts for member (Accounts).
DYFI president and MLA P Sreeramakrishnan said that this was not a single case. “The government is bypassing the Assembly by taking this kind of decision. Unfortunately, this is not the only case.
From the appointment of K M Mani’s son-in-law to the top post to securitymen in CM’s office, there were lot of illegal appointments.
“We are planning to organise an agitation against the government’s illegal appointments. This would only lead to corruption and nepotism,” Sreeramakrishnan said.
As per Rule 60, part I of the Kerala Service Rules (KSR), every government servant should compulsory retire on the last day of the month in which he attains the age of 56 years.
The GO states that it would bring necessary amendments in the KSR in the regard.
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