It has been reported thata State committee of the United Democratic Front is likely to raise the retirement age of teachers and government employees. The decision, if taken, would bring serious repercussion in the society. Those people who once fixed retirement age at 55 were not fools. They did know the unemployment situation in the state and seemingly it augmented now. It is unwise for the government to take consolation from the fact that Maharashtra and a few other State governments, have chosen to peg the retirement age at 60 years. The situation in Maharashtra is entirely different from Kerala. It is from Kerala people go to Maharashrtra for a job and not from there to Kerala.
The Economic survey conducted revealed that the unemployment rate in the state is high and a few millions of people of the State have been working outside it for many years. Had they remained in Kerala, the unemployment rate would have been much higher than what was quoted in the survey. It is not the education system that make people frustrated but the inefficiency of the rulers of the state. The educated youths with Ph D and other degrees are disturbed and that dissatisfaction will be augmented by the thoughtless decision of Kerala Government.
It is a fact in Kerala no industrialist wants to set up any industry due to labour problems. The State is bankrupt, besides being corrupt and largely politicized. The main source of income for the state is the infamous public begging –the Kerala lottery and by colorful ads in dailies and channels the Government invites educated youths to join the lottery market. Liquor business is also a major source of income. The Government has no job to offer for teaching in colleges or elsewhere. It is reserved for the handful of luckiest paltry chaps with PG second class. The " Samrabhakasree" a day light looting agency,sponsors of which viz, the Kerala State Financial Coraration is a public looting agency. The entrepreneurs who ended life because of the callous attitude of this corporation is far beyond any reckon.
The ministers of Kerala have a thought that though they are 60 plus or eighty, still are able to walk, jump and exercise. So why can’t the existing college teachers and employees do the same? Dear ministers, ask the college teachers and government staff to retire and try a hand in politics to serve the society further. There are many with services in aided colleges doing work at college and also doing societal job both yielding no result.
The monthly salary that may be given to a college teacher for the extended period of time can be used for giving monthly pension of the pensioner and also the salary of two new recruits. The new one, being better educated and skilled, could make better results in colleges and offices than those old folks who never want to retire. Time has reached for youths to demand their chunk of job. The Youth Congress, The AISF, Youth Front DYFI, etc are seen coming against the proposed draconian decision of the UDF and it is good for them. Instead of migrating to other States for jobs, the youth should use their might to make the government understanding their need. Retirement age hike does not save any one but saves two families if a person is given an employment. Why the “poor man’s government” is not thinking in that direction?
It is a pity for the government to allow research degree holders to take the job of lottery ticket seller or Electronics and Communication engineering post graduate to accept the job of a last grade to earn a living. So the government should give up the move to raise the retirement age of teachers and employees. including those in medical colleges. Do not hoodwink the unemployed youths with what is called 'Samrambhakasree Kairalisree'.
K A Solaman
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