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Centre seeks two more months to decide on raising PU teachers’ retirement age
Affidavit says Punjab opposes 65-year proposal; ministry cites need for wider consultations
PU teachers have relied on a series of University Grants Commission (UGC) circulars to argue that they are entitled to parity with Central universities where the retirement age is 65.
The union Ministry of Education has sought an additional two months from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to finalise its decision on Panjab University’s proposal to raise the superannuation age of its teachers and those in affiliated colleges from 60 to 65 years.
In an affidavit filed by Sanjay Kumar, Under Secretary, the ministry said it is still in the process of evaluating the university’s proposal to amend Regulation 17.3 and needs more time to complete inter-departmental consultations and assess legal, financial and administrative implications.
The High Court had on August 5 directed the Centre to take an “appropriate, reasoned decision” within two months on the issue, which affects faculty serving in the university departments in Chandigarh as well as teachers in PU-affiliated colleges in Punjab and the UT.
The affidavit submitted to the court by Additional Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain records that the Punjab government has already conveyed its disagreement with any enhancement of the superannuation age for PU teachers. The ministry said the state’s comments are under examination.
PU teachers have relied on a series of University Grants Commission (UGC) circulars to argue that they are entitled to parity with Central universities where the retirement age is 65.
The Centre has emphasised that Panjab University is an Inter-State Body Corporate under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, and, therefore, any decision on service conditions requires consultation with all stakeholders. It said discussions have been initiated with the Punjab government, PU authorities and other bodies concerned.
According to the affidavit, the ministry is currently examining government policy on retirement age, stakeholder inputs and related administrative considerations before arriving at a final view.
Maintaining that the issue involves “detailed examination”, Additional Solicitor General Jain told the court it is considering the matter on priority but requires more time to comply with the directions. It has requested a two-month extension to place a comprehensive and reasoned decision on record.
The appeal, pending since 2016, is expected to come up for further hearing next week.
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