SHILLONG, APR 11: The state government today assured to soon take call on the demand for increasing the upper age limit for SC/ST candidates appearing for the Meghalaya Civil Service (MCS) examination from 32 years to 45 years.
“The matter of increase in upper age limit is being examined by the government and a decision will be arrived at by taking into consideration all aspects of the matter,” chief minister Conrad K Sangma told the Assembly here on Wednesday.
Replying to a resolution moved by the lone Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) MLA from North Shillong Adelbert Nongrum, he however pointed out the pros and cons to enhancement of the upper age limit.
According to him, by enhancing the maximum age limit to 45 years, it would give a fair chance to more aspiring candidates who have completed their minimum prescribed qualifications and also to give a second opportunity to those who could not be successful in the preceding competitive examination.
Conrad said that it is important to not the duties of an MCS officer especially a field level post is physically demanding.
A junior duty post officer is responsible for performing field works of enquiries, conducting of inquest, inspection of development works, survey of revenue matters, providing relief in the event of an outbreak of any natural calamity and maintenance of law and order etc.
The CM however said if the upper age is increased to 45 years, the person would have only about 13 years of service considering the fact that the prescribed retiring age is 58 years.
“There would also be very less time to garner experience for efficient service delivery and also very less promotion avenues,” he said.
At the same time, Conrad said with the introduction of New Defined Pension Scheme, 2010 where the pensionary benefit is based solely on the factor of contribution, retirement benefits might not be viable for an individual with less years of service.
The Meghalaya Civil Service, which is the premier service of the state, was constituted with effect from August 5, 1975, when the Meghalaya Civil Service Rules, 1975 was promulgated.
The recruitment to the service is made by competitive examinations conducted by the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) and selection from amongst persons serving in connection with the affairs of the state of Meghalaya.
The proportion of vacancies to be filled up in is 90 by direct recruitment and 10 by promotion. The qualifying age was fixed to be above 21 years and below 27 years with upper age limits of five years for SC/ST.
Earlier while moving the resolution, Nongrum urged the government to consider increasing the upper age limit in view of the fact that the MCS examinations is being conducted after a gap of eleven years.
By Our Reporter
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