‘Retired, not done’: Jitendra Singh calls on superannuating officials to join nation-building mission

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 10, 2025

Retirement from government service doesn’t mean retirement from responsibility. That was the powerful message delivered by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who urged superannuating officials to see themselves not as pensioners, but as active partners in building a Viksit Bharat.

Addressing the 56th Pre-Retirement Counselling (PRC) Workshop and 9th Bankers’ Awareness Programme at the Assam Administrative Staff College, Dr Singh redefined the meaning of retirement for hundreds of officers approaching the end of their service. “You are retiring as government officials, not as citizens. Your best may be yet to come,” he said, setting the tone for a day focused on empowerment, transition, and continued contribution.

Dr Singh, who holds multiple key portfolios—including Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, and MoS in the Prime Minister’s Office, emphasized that many retirees are still in their prime when it comes to energy, experience, and intellect. “Retirement is a transition, not a full stop. It’s a moment to redirect your skills towards new goals,” he stated.

Organized by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) in collaboration with the Government of Assam, the workshop included technical sessions on digital pension systems, CGHS benefits, financial planning, and innovations like the Bhavishya Portal and Integrated Pensioners’ Portal. These initiatives are part of the Centre’s efforts to streamline post-retirement processes and remove red tape.

Dr Singh highlighted the transformation in the pension delivery ecosystem. “Gone are the days when pensioners had to wait months or go from office to office. With digital tools like e-PPOs, face authentication, and CPGRAMS, we’ve brought dignity and efficiency to the system,” he said, lauding Secretary V. Srinivas and the DoPPW for setting global benchmarks that are now being studied by countries like Maldives, Mongolia, and Bangladesh.

Beyond systems and structures, Dr Singh introduced a forward-thinking proposal: the creation of a national directory of retired officials, cataloguing their qualifications, experience, and interests. This, he said, would allow ministries and departments to engage retirees in advisory roles, policy committees, and developmental initiatives.

“We will create a performance to match your expertise with national needs. Retirement can be the beginning of your second innings—as advisors, mentors, entrepreneurs, or even creative artists,” Dr Singh said, sharing an anecdote about a government scientist who launched a successful millet-based startup after retirement.

He also spoke about the broader reforms in pension rules that reflect a more inclusive and compassionate approach, including provisions for divorced daughters, widows, and families of missing employees.

In a lighter moment that drew laughter and applause, Dr Singh quipped, “If you always wanted to sing but never had the time, we’ll help you audition for All India Radio after retirement.”

The daylong workshop saw participation from key officials including DoPPW Secretary V. Srinivas, Joint Secretary Dhrubajyoti Sengupta, SBI Deputy MD Shamsher Singh, Health Ministry Additional Secretary Roli Singh, IG BSF Sanjay Gaur, and Northeast Frontier Railway GM Chetan Shrivastava.

As India charts its course toward becoming a developed nation by 2047, Dr Singh’s message was clear and resonant: retirement marks the end of a career, not the end of a contribution. Wisdom, leadership, and purpose don’t retire—they evolve.