What is the Civil Servant Retirement Age in India?

Civil Servants are an important part of our country's workforce, and considering their retirement age is vital as the functioning of public services might get affected. Usually, the civil servant retirement age is higher than other services considering the importance of their work. Moreover, to provide service with efficiency or complete a particular project, their retirement ages can change. Here, we will discuss the current civil servant retirement age and the benefits provided to them in this field.

The benefits that civil servants will get during their job period or before retirement are as follows:

1. Residence Facilities

Civil servants get houses or bungalows for residential purposes during their working period. Here, they can enjoy a luxurious lifestyle and stay peacefully with their family. Other than this, they get the facilities of house help, including a maid, driver, cook, gardener, security guard, etc.

2. Bills Reimbursements

Until a civil servant's retirement age, they either get highly subsidised utility bills for phone, electricity, gas, etc., or reimbursements against payment. In some positions, they also get complete reimbursements on bills. 

3. Transportation Facilities

Civil servants are usually allotted one or more vehicles along with a driver during their working period for easy and comfortable transportation from one place to another. Moreover, they get certain relaxation on traffic rules during an emergency. 

4. Security

Until civil servants, i.e., IAS or IPS officer, reaches retirement age, they are provided tight security due to their high-profile jobs. Sometimes, their projects can be so dangerous that STF commandos are allotted for their safety. 

5. Luxury Trip

While taking part in official or work trips, civil servants can stay in luxurious government guest houses or bungalows free of cost. This facility is also provided when the trip is unofficial. Moreover, if these officials visit Delhi, they can get accommodation in its State Bhavans. 

6. Study Leave

Civil servants can also apply for study leaves for two years, where they can pursue courses even in foreign universities. The Government will reimburse the total cost of these courses. However, this facility has restrictions where the officers can only enjoy it when they have served for at least seven years (6 years for northeast civil servants). 

7. Job Security

Once someone gets qualified as a civil servant, firing that person from that position is not easy. Hence, anyone joining civil services will get admirable job security. Moreover, if someone wants to terminate these officers from their position, they need to undergo extensive investigations and enquiries.

The advantages that a civil servant in India enjoys after retirement are as follows:

1. Gratuity

A gratuity is allowed after retirement and death up to a maximum of ₹20 Lakhs. This rule came into force on 1st January 2016. It is only available if they have been working for at least five years in case of retirement gratuity. However, in the case of gratuity after death, the entitlement takes place in a certain way:

2. Service Gratuity

If the officer's total qualifying years of service is less than 10, they are entitled to receive service gratuity. This amount equals the last drawn basic pay worth half a month with a dearness allowance for completing six months of qualifying services. This is a one-time payment provided in a lump sum to the respective retiring civil servant.

3. Pension

After a civil servant, i.e., IPS or IAS officer retires, they or their family will be allowed to receive a guaranteed pension of a minimum ₹9000 per month. However, it can extend up to 50% of the highest pay, which is almost ₹1.25 Lakhs per month. This rule has been in force since 1st January 2016.

4. Commutation of Pension

Commutation of a portion of the total pension amount is available for withdrawal; therefore, they can enjoy lump sum payouts as civil servants.

5. General Provident Fund and Incentives

According to General Provident Fund Rules, 1960, all government employees and re-employed pensioners are eligible to subscribe to this fund, if they joined service within 1st January 2004. The subscribers get immediate payment of the accumulated funds after retirement, without submitting any application.

6. Contributory Provident Fund

As per the Contributory Provident Fund Rules (India), 1962, all non-pensionable Government employees operating under any services controlled by the President is eligible to apply here. While joining this fund, a form is given to allow eligible nominees to withdraw these funds on the officer's demise.

7. Dearness Relief

Dearness relief on pension is provided to the pensioners or their family, after considering the price rise or fall hike. However, it is recommended to consider all the conditions applicable to receiving the same.

8. Leave Encashment

Encashment of earned or half-pay leave available at retirement is permissible with a maximum limit of up to 300 days. This benefit is provided to the officers under the CCS (Leave) Rule, not any pension benefit.

9. Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme

As issued by the Department of Expenditure, a portion of the monthly income of the civil servant is credited to this savings fund with interest, while in service. The officer has to apply in Form 4 of this particular scheme for enrolment. It also provides insurance coverage to the officer’s family in case of death.

Therefore, civil servants can enjoy various benefits from the Indian Government before and after retirement. However, certain benefits depend on the number of completed years of service they provide. Hence, considering the civil servant retirement age is necessary. Moreover, setting a proper retirement age will allow them to function in the best possible way.