New DOPT rules for Group A and B Officials above 50

The NDA Government has strengthened the review process to compulsorily retire senior group A and B officials on account of “being no longer useful to the general administration” or “doubtful integrity and reputation”. According to PM led DoPT guidelines:

• The Performance of Group A and B officials who have completed 50 years and junior officers who have completed 55 years must be reviewed and decided if they should compulsorily retire before reaching 60.
• The factors that lead to compulsory retirement include issues with integrity, actions and decisions; complain received against him or suspicious property transactions for which there is no sufficient evidence to initiate departmental inquiry.
• DoPT also iterated that government has absolute right to compulsorily retire an official who obstructs the efficiency in public services.

Govt has reconstituted review committees to look into cases of officers turning 50/55. The committee, headed by Board Chairman is to review senior appointees in boards like CBDT & CBEC.  Additional secretary or joint secretary will head review committees of junior officials.