Stop re-engaging Retd officials : Ex-MLAs
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 03 2025: The Manipur Ex MLA Welfare Association has written to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla with a request to discontinue re-engagement of retired Government officials in different Governmental roles.

A letter signed by Professor Dr Nimaichand Luwang, working president of Manipur Ex MLA Welfare Association, has underscored the widespread and rampant instances of re-employing retired officials in the last few years and cited the example of ten retired individuals who are currently holding important Government positions.

Others who have been re-engaged include officials in the Civil Secretariat, Police Department, Health Department and Engineering departments like PWD, PHED etc.

Though re-engagement of retired Government employees can be seen as a way to retain valuable expertise, it has several potential demerits like hindering youth employment and limiting opportunities for younger, potentially more innovative individuals to enter the workforce.

In turn, this can lead to stagnation and a lack of fresh perspectives within Government departments and reduce opportunities for promotion, said the Manipur Ex MLA Welfare Association.

"When retired employees are re-hired, it can limit the upward mobility of existing, younger employees.

This can negatively impact morale and create a sense of unfairness and potential for stagnation", it added.

It reasoned that any extension or re-employment should serve the public interest in specific conditions such as the lack of suitable successors, possession of outstanding merit, involvement in ongoing projects or expertise in specialized fields.

However, the letter asserted that re-engagement of retired officials as currently being practised in Government organisations in Manipur are rampant and arbitrary and done without any basis.

It is a clear example of "corruption, bribery, embezzlement, fraud, influence peddling, nepotism, maladministration/mismanagement, abuse of power, lack of transparency, lack of accountability, obstruction of justice etc.

It can be concluded as being in conflict to public interest" .

Stating that the Manipur Government Services Federation also raised this issue with the Chief Secretary of Manipur, it added that the Manipur public supports the Federation's demand for the reversal and complete cessation of the policy of re-engagement or re-employment of retired Government officials in the Manipur Government.

The Manipur Ex MLA Welfare Association has urged the Governor to revoke Government orders for re-employment of retired officials and called for a complete discontinuation of the practice.

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