The Haryana Civil Services (General) Rules, 2016 lay down detailed provisions about voluntary and compulsory retirement of government employees under Rules 143 to 151. These rules specify the age of retirement, conditions for voluntary retirement, authority’s power to retire an employee compulsorily in public interest, and other related provisions. This guide explains each clause from the official rules in clear, simple language.
1️⃣ Rule 143 – Age of Superannuation
- Every government employee shall retire on attaining the age of 58 years.
- The Government may, in public interest, grant extension of service for one year at a time, not exceeding 60 years in total.
- No extension shall be granted as a matter of right; it is purely discretionary and based on performance and public interest.
Note: Extension beyond the age of 58 years shall be granted only after personal approval of the competent authority and on medical and performance fitness grounds.
2️⃣ Rule 144 – Voluntary Retirement (After 20 Years of Service)
An employee may opt for voluntary retirement after completing 20 years of qualifying service, subject to the following conditions:
- The employee must give a 3 months’ written notice to the appointing authority.
- The notice can be withdrawn before its expiry, with approval of the authority.
- If the employee is under suspension or disciplinary proceedings are pending, voluntary retirement may be refused.
- Once accepted, the retirement becomes effective on completion of the notice period.
Pension and benefits: A person retiring voluntarily under this rule is entitled to all retirement benefits as if they had retired on superannuation.
3️⃣ Rule 145 – Compulsory Retirement (Public Interest)
The Government retains the power to retire an employee compulsorily in the public interest before the age of superannuation. This rule ensures efficiency and integrity in public service.
Conditions:
- Applies to employees who have completed:
- 25 years of qualifying service, or
- Attained the age of 50 years (for Group A and B posts).
- The competent authority may retire such an employee by giving a 3 months’ notice in writing or 3 months’ pay and allowances in lieu thereof.
- The decision must be based on the employee’s service record, integrity, and overall performance.
Note: Compulsory retirement under this rule is not a penalty and does not affect pensionary benefits unless otherwise specified.
4️⃣ Rule 146 – Notice Period and Acceptance
- For both voluntary and compulsory retirement, a 3 months’ notice period applies.
- The appointing authority has the discretion to:
- Waive or curtail the notice period, or
- Allow retirement to take effect earlier if deemed appropriate.
- Notice period starts from the date the application or order is received or served.
5️⃣ Rule 147 – Effect of Pending Proceedings
- Voluntary retirement may not be permitted if:
- Departmental proceedings or vigilance cases are pending or contemplated, or
- The employee is under suspension.
- If such cases are initiated after the notice but before its expiry, the authority may withhold permission to retire till proceedings conclude.
6️⃣ Rule 148 – Power to Withdraw Notice
- An employee who has applied for voluntary retirement may withdraw the notice before expiry with the approval of the appointing authority.
- After acceptance or after the notice period ends, withdrawal is not allowed except on special grounds recorded in writing.
7️⃣ Rule 149 – Calculation of Qualifying Service for Retirement
- Only the qualifying service verified under pension rules counts for voluntary or compulsory retirement.
- Extraordinary leave, suspension not treated as duty, or non-qualifying periods are excluded from calculation.
8️⃣ Rule 150 – Re-Employment after Retirement
- After retirement (superannuation or voluntary), an employee may be re-employed only with prior approval of the Government.
- Re-employment shall:
- Be temporary in nature.
- Not exceed one year at a time.
- Be limited to the age of 60 years in total.
- Pay, allowances, and service conditions are governed by specific government instructions issued from time to time.
9️⃣ Rule 151 – Retirement on Medical Grounds
- If a government employee is declared medically unfit for further service by a competent medical board, they shall be retired from service on medical grounds.
- Such retirement is treated as retirement in public interest and pensionary benefits are admissible as per applicable rules.
✅ Quick Reference Table – Retirement Rules at a Glance
| Rule | Type | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| 143 | Superannuation | Retirement at 58 years; extension up to 60 years in public interest. |
| 144 | Voluntary Retirement | After 20 years of service; 3 months’ notice; full pension benefits. |
| 145 | Compulsory Retirement | After 25 years of service or at 50 years of age; in public interest. |
| 146 | Notice & Acceptance | 3 months’ notice or pay in lieu; can be waived. |
| 147 | Pending Proceedings | Voluntary retirement not permitted during suspension or enquiry. |
| 148 | Withdrawal of Notice | Allowed only before acceptance, with approval. |
| 149 | Qualifying Service | Only verified service counts for pension/retirement. |
| 150 | Re-employment | Requires Govt approval; not beyond 60 years total. |
| 151 | Medical Grounds | Retirement if declared medically unfit by medical board. |
FAQs – Voluntary & Compulsory Retirement (Rules 143–151)
1. What is the normal retirement age in Haryana Government?
58 years. It can be extended up to 60 years in public interest with government approval.
2. When can an employee opt for voluntary retirement?
After completing 20 years of qualifying service, by giving 3 months’ notice under Rule 144.
3. What is compulsory retirement?
It is retirement ordered by the government in public interest after the employee completes 25 years of service or attains 50 years of age, as per Rule 145.
4. Does compulsory retirement affect pension?
No. It is not a penalty and does not affect pension unless disciplinary proceedings prove otherwise.
5. Can voluntary retirement be refused?
Yes, if disciplinary or vigilance proceedings are pending or the employee is under suspension.
6. Can an employee withdraw voluntary retirement notice?
Yes, before acceptance and within the notice period, with approval of the appointing authority.
7. Is medical retirement different from voluntary retirement?
Yes. Medical retirement occurs when a competent medical board declares the employee unfit for duty under Rule 151.
Conclusion
The Haryana Civil Services (General) Rules, 2016 under Rules 143–151 provide a transparent framework for voluntary, compulsory, and medical retirement. These rules ensure fairness to employees while enabling the government to maintain efficiency and discipline in service.
Source: Official PDF – Haryana Civil Services (General) Rules, 2016, Finance Department, Government of Haryana.