The state department of higher education of Karnataka has advocated the increase in retirement age of teachers working at government degree colleges and state universities. According to the proposal, the department wants to increase the retirement age of degree college lecturers from 60 to 62 and those working at state universities from 62 to 64.
In an official communication issued to the heads of all state universities, the department has asked them to send a detailed report of the service record of faculty members with regard to retirement age.Many academics, however, is against this and opine that the decision will suppress opportunities for youngsters.
One of the former vice-chancellors of Bangalore University talking to a leading media source said, “The government should look at providing employment to youngsters who are eligible. Instead of doing that, I wonder why they are planning to extend the retirement age.”
“This will be an injustice to youngsters who are willing to take up teaching,” he added. Benaka Raju, a guest faculty member at one of the colleges in city, said, “I have cleared the eligibility test conducted by the state government to teach at degree colleges. But, I still have not got the job because there is no recruitment. When this is the situation of thousands of people like me, imagine what will happen if the government increases the retirement age of those already in service.”