SHILLONG: The state government is examining the demand for increasing the age limit for SC/ST candidates of the Meghalaya Civil Service (MCS) examinations from 32 to 45.
This was informed by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma in the Assembly on Wednesday in response to a resolution moved by KHNAM legislator Adelbert Nongrum, who wanted the age limit to be increased from 32 to 45.
“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 the aspects,” the chief minister said.
The MCS Rules, 1975, states that a candidate must have attained the age of 21 but must not have exceeded 27 on the first day of the year of advertisement.
However, there was a relaxation of upper age limit of SC/ST candidates to five years, thereby fixing it at 32.
Highlighting on the pros and cons of enhancement of upper age limit, Sangma 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 age of retirement is 58 years.
“There would also be very less time to garner experience for efficient service delivery and also very less promotion avenues. 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 chief minister said.
He also said that the duties of MCS officers, especially at a field level post, are physically demanding.
“A Junior Duty Post Officer is responsible for performing field works of inquiries, 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 and others,” the chief minister said.
However, he added that 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 examinations.
