Reviewing policy on extension of retirement age: CM

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government plans to roll back its policy of giving extension in service for two years beyond the retirement age of 58 years. Chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh said this in a media interaction after casting his vote for presidential election at the Vidhan Sabha.

“The government is mulling a policy change to fix 58 years as retirement age to generate more employment opportunities for the state’s youth. The issue is under discussion,” said Amarinder. He said a policy decision would be taken only after detailed analysis of the implications of any change. His media adviser Raveen Thukral accompanied him and the CM spoke on several issues as below:

ON SYL CANAL

State had been engaged in talks with the Centre to find an early solution. Punjab had requested the Union ministry of water resources to assess the existing quantum of river water before final adjudication of the matter.

ON FARM DEBT WAIVER

The CM reiterated FM Manpreet Badal’s stand that the waiver scheme would be implemented within a week. A final report on debt waiver by the expert committee led by Dr T Haq was awaited would to enable government implement farm debt waiver in right earnest.

FRESH TAXES

The CM clarified that the state government was trying to mobilis e additional financial resources to narrow the widening budget deficit and the finance minister was working in this direction.

JAKHAR FOR GURDASPUR BYPOLL

The CM clarified that no discussion had been held so far.