FOSTER GENERATIONAL EQUITY
- Bruhaspati Samal -
General Secretary
Confederation of Central Govt Employees and Workers
Odisha State CoC, Bhubaneswar
In the 46th Episode of KBC (Kaun Banega Crorepati) 16, the show’s host, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan became surprised to witness the decision of Dr. Neeraj Saxena, a contestant to voluntarily quit after winning Rs. 3,20,000/- which was a rare and commendable act of selflessness. He chose to step back, allowing younger contestants to take center stage, emphasizing that the amount he won was sufficient for him and that others deserved an opportunity to benefit. This noble gesture, as noted by the show’s host, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, was almost unprecedented in the show’s history. It serves as a stark reminder of the need to prioritize the younger generation’s aspirations and opportunities, a principle that seems to be lacking in certain government policies. In sharp contrast to Dr. Saxena’s actions, the Indian government’s increasing practice of reengaging retired personnel in various public sector and administrative roles has drawn significant criticism. This practice undermines the prospects of the country’s youth, who already face a severe unemployment crisis. Instead of fostering generational equity, these policies exacerbate the challenges for young job seekers, leaving many disillusioned and sidelined.
India’s unemployment crisis has reached alarming proportions. According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), the unemployment rate as of December 2024 stands at 7.45%. Among the youth aged 15-29, the situation is even bleaker, with unemployment exceeding 28%. This staggering statistic highlights the systemic issues in providing gainful employment to the younger population. Coupled with this is the failure to meet the government’s 2014 electoral promise of creating 2 crore jobs annually. Such unfulfilled commitments have left millions grappling with uncertainty about their future. Adding to the crisis is the government’s widespread practice of reemploying retired personnel across multiple sectors. Reports suggest that over 50,000 retired employees have been rehired between 2020 and 2024 in central and state government departments. This trend is most pronounced in critical sectors such as defense, public administration, education, and public sector enterprises (PSEs). In the defense sector, for instance, retired officers are frequently reappointed to advisory and operational roles. Public administration sees retired IAS and IPS officers rehired for consultancy and other responsibilities. Similarly, educational institutions often bring back retired professors, while PSEs rely on former executives to fill senior management positions.
While the government justifies these practices on grounds of retaining expertise and ensuring continuity, the broader socio-economic realities challenge this narrative. The claim of a skill gap, often cited to defend reemployment, appears tenuous when juxtaposed against the fact that India produces over 8 million graduates annually. Among these are a significant number of engineers, doctors, and management professionals who remain underutilized. The persistence of reengagement policies in such a context not only stifles innovation but also deprives the youth of opportunities to contribute their fresh perspectives to the workforce.
The constitutional provision mandating retirement at the age of 60 aims to ensure periodic rejuvenation of the workforce. Overriding this mandate undermines its intended purpose and perpetuates an inequitable system where younger aspirants are left to fend for themselves in an already competitive job market. Furthermore, reemployment often disregards the economic and emotional toll on the unemployed youth, many of whom are the primary breadwinners for their families. India’s labour force participation rate (LFPR) reflects a worrying trend. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023, the overall LFPR stands at just 39.5%, significantly lower than the global average. Among women, the participation rate is even more dismal at 24.6%, indicating a severe underutilization of the country’s potential workforce. The increasing reliance on retired personnel exacerbates these issues by further limiting the avenues available to the younger demographic.
Critics argue that the government’s approach to reemployment is driven more by convenience and cost-efficiency than genuine necessity. Contractual reengagements are often perceived as a less expensive alternative to recruiting new, permanent employees. However, this approach neglects the long-term socio-economic consequences of excluding younger individuals from the workforce. The lack of opportunities for the youth not only hampers their personal growth but also affects the nation’s overall economic productivity and innovation potential.
Collaborative efforts between the Govt., opposition political parties, intellectuals, and civil society can create a unified front to address these pressing issues. The government must adopt a multi-faceted strategy. Strict regulation of reemployment practices is essential. Reengagement of retired personnel should be limited to critical sectors where skill shortages are genuinely evident, and even then, it should be accompanied by a clear timeline for transitioning to younger replacements. Government departments and public sector enterprises must develop robust strategies to groom internal talent for higher roles through targeted training programs, mentorship initiatives, and opportunities for skill enhancement which would ensure that younger employees are adequately prepared to take on leadership responsibilities, reducing the reliance on retired professionals. Accelerating public sector recruitment drives, particularly in high-demand areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development, can significantly alleviate unemployment pressures. Intellectuals and civil society have a crucial role to play in addressing these issues. By advocating for policy changes and raising public awareness about the adverse effects of reemployment practices, they can drive meaningful change. Academics and researchers can contribute by conducting studies on unemployment trends and providing data-driven insights to inform policy decisions. Opposition political parties must also step up to hold the government accountable for its employment policies. By demanding transparency and proposing viable alternatives during legislative debates and public campaigns, they can highlight the gaps in current practices and advocate for a fairer system.
The youth, as the backbone of the nation, deserve nothing less than a system that values their potential and supports their aspirations. The practice of reengagement, while justifiable in specific cases, has become increasingly common, raising concerns about its impact on the country’s unemployed youth. By curbing the practice of reemployment and implementing inclusive policies, the government can not only address the current challenges but also lay the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous society.
(The writer is a Service Union Representative and a Columnist.)
*****
0 Comments