Centre says rotate Govt Employees for Integrity, Compulsorily Retire If In Public Interest

New Delhi: The central government has emphasised on rotation of government employees on sensitive and non-sensitive posts “to ensure integrity” in the government service and has also asked all ministries to strictly follow existing rules of compulsorily retiring government employeess before 60 years of age if “in public interest”. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said in the circular F.No.C-11020/1/2015-Vig   issued to all central ministries and departments on Monday, incorporating the observations of cabinet Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha at a meeting on August 10. “it has been emphasized that rotation needs to be carried out in respect of sensitive posts and non-sensitive posts to ensure probity,” the circular of DoPT said. It also suggested review and screening of officers under FR 56(J) within ministries. Under FR 56(J) of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, periodical review of officers is permitted for strengthening of administration.  DoPT will monitor the implementation and obtain compliance from all ministries in this regard, the circular said. “All ministries/departments are, therefore, requested to kindly look into the matter and carry out rotation in respect of sensitive and non-sensitive posts and FR 56(J). As this activity is to be completed in a time bound manner, it is requested that priority attention may be paid to it and inputs sent to the internal Vigilance Section at the very earliest,” according to the circular. FR 56 (J) of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, says, the government has the absolute right to retire, if it is necessary to do so in public interest, a government servant of group ‘A’ and ‘B’ who entered service before 35 years of age and have attained the age of 50 years. In other cases, the age-limit is of 55 years when the government servant can be compulsorily retired. A three-month notice period or three month pay in lieu of it is supposed to be given.