Ajay Sharma
Jammu Tawi, Dec 19: Despite clear policies from the central and state governments mandating the retirement of employees—whether permanent, casual, need-based, or daily wagers—at the age of 60 years, the GREF Department is allegedly retaining employees well past the stipulated retirement age for its various projects.
Sources reveal that numerous employees retired long ago remain actively employed in this department, particularly in regions such as Akhnoor and Chokichora.
“The government has extended the retirement age to 60 for Anganwadi workers and helpers as well, yet the GREF Department seems to operate as an exception,” said a source. Some of these employees, reportedly in their 80s or 90s, are still drawing monthly salaries.
Sources claim that senior officials in the GRIF Department, stationed in Akhnoor and Chokichora, appear indifferent to this irregularity.
“When questioned, they reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, even as these aged workers continue to receive salaries ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹18,000 monthly,” said a source, adding that this negligence represents a failure to enforce retirement policies, resulting in significant financial losses for the government.
A closer inspection reportedly revealed that on roads such as Leh-Tar-Pouni and Damel-Pouni to Leh-Tar-Bambla, individuals well beyond retirement age remain employed.
“Some of these employees have even been designated as Junior Engineers (JEEs) or supervisors,” said a source. Locals, particularly the youth employed in the department, have called for intervention by the BRO and the central government.
The youth demanded accountability from senior officials who have allegedly disregarded retirement rules and allowed this practice to persist.
“How can individuals aged 70 to 90 years be expected to perform physically demanding tasks? The government must act decisively to ensure strict adherence to its retirement policies,” urged a source.
