Punjab not in favour of increasing retirement age of PU teachers, Centre tells High Court

The Central government has informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that the Punjab government is not in favour of increasing the retirement age of Panjab University (PU) teachers from 60 to 65 years. This information was shared through an affidavit filed by the Centre while responding to the court’s direction to take a decision on the matter. The High Court had asked the Centre to clarify its stand in August 2025, during the hearing of an appeal filed by PU teachers demanding an increase in their retirement age.

According to the affidavit, the Centre has not yet reached a final decision and needs more time to examine the issue thoroughly. The affidavit was filed by Sanjay Kumar, Under Secretary in the Ministry of Education. It explains that the matter is still under active consideration, but because it involves multiple stakeholders, the government requires additional time before making a final call.

Appearing on behalf of the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain told the court that the government is consulting all relevant parties. This includes state governments, administrative bodies, and financial authorities who would be affected by any change in retirement age. He said such a decision cannot be taken quickly because Panjab University is not a regular state university but an inter-state body corporate established under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. Therefore, states like Punjab must be consulted before finalising any policy change.

The Centre’s submission makes it clear that Punjab has formally opposed the proposal to increase the retirement age. This opposition is significant because, as a key stakeholder, Punjab’s consent is necessary for any major administrative decision related to the university. The Union government stated that since feedback from all stakeholders has not yet been collected, it needs around two more months to finalise its position. The Centre stressed that financial implications must also be evaluated, as increasing the retirement age would affect salary budgets, pension liabilities, and long-term resource planning.

During the hearing, Jain informed the High Court Bench that the process of consultation is still ongoing. Because Panjab University serves both Punjab and Chandigarh and is governed through special constitutional provisions, decisions about its staff and administration require careful coordination between the Centre and the state governments. He argued that the government should be given enough time to ensure transparency, fairness, and thoughtful decision-making.

The High Court accepted this request and adjourned the matter to January 21, giving the Centre the additional time it sought. The court will review the progress then and decide the next steps depending on the government’s report.

Background of the teachers’ demand and court proceedings

The question of raising the retirement age of university teachers has been under discussion for several years. Teachers at Panjab University have argued that increasing the age from 60 to 65 would bring PU in line with the retirement norms followed in central universities across India. Many central institutions already allow faculty members to work until the age of 65, and PU teachers believe the same should apply to them because the university receives significant funding from the Union government.

Teachers have also said that increasing the retirement age would help reduce faculty shortages and prevent experienced professors from leaving academic work too early. They argue that many departments face gaps due to slow recruitment processes, and extending the retirement age would provide continuity in teaching and research.

However, the Punjab government has held a different view. It believes that raising the retirement age could create financial pressure and limit employment opportunities for younger teachers seeking academic posts. It has also argued that manpower planning must reflect the needs of the state, and any decision affecting Panjab University must be consistent with Punjab’s broader educational policies.

Because Panjab University is governed under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, both the state and the Centre play important roles in its administration. This shared structure often requires complex consultations before policy changes can be approved.

When the matter reached the High Court earlier in 2025, PU teachers appealed for immediate action. In response, the court asked the Centre to clearly state its decision. However, the Centre filed an affidavit instead requesting more time, stating that the final decision could only be taken after all consultations had been completed.

The affidavit mentions that the matter involves not only academic considerations but also administrative and financial ones. If the retirement age is increased, it may impact promotion cycles, recruitment schedules, and the university’s long-term financial planning. Therefore, the government wants to examine the proposal thoroughly before committing to any change.

The Centre also emphasised that as an inter-state institution, Panjab University must maintain a balance between the interests of Punjab, Haryana, and the Union government. This requires careful evaluation of all opinions and potential impacts.

While the High Court has postponed the decision until January 21, the teachers and staff at Panjab University will be watching closely. The outcome will determine whether their retirement age remains unchanged at 60 or increases to 65, bringing PU closer to national norms for university teachers.

For now, the issue remains under consideration, with the Centre expected to return to court early next year with a clearer stance after completing all stakeholder discussions.