The Kerala state government has instructed department heads to quickly deal with requests for voluntary retirement. If there is delay, and if the delay costs the government money, the amount will be recovered from the boss. According to the Finance Department, if the department heads doesn’t object to the voluntary retirement scheme (VRS), the employee can retire in three months. There is emphasis on quick reviews so that the government doesn’t have to keep paying salaries and benefits to employees who stay on because their retirement is delayed.
Applications without a notice period should be declined within five working days, as stated in the order. If employees are facing disciplinary or judicial proceedings, their applications should be rejected within seven working days with a clear explanation for the decision. In cases where the office lacks details on such proceedings, the application should be forwarded to a higher office. Staff under vigilance probes should also face a seven-day rejection period.
Applications of Non-gazetted officers with less than 20 years of service will be rejected, and gazetted officers’ applications must reach the appointing authority within seven days.
Only applications with merit should be forwarded to the relevant authorities and accountant general. Interest payments due to delays will be recovered from the responsible officer. If there’s no response from the appointing authority or accountant general, the employee will be prevented from discharging his duties in the office after three months. A service verification report from the accountant general is a must for approval of VRS.
