Guwahati: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh delivered an inspiring address at the 56th Pre-Retirement Counselling (PRC) Workshop and 9th Bankers’ Awareness Program, reminding retiring government officers that “retirement from service doesn’t mean retirement as a citizen.”
Speaking to a packed hall at the Assam Administrative Staff College, Dr. Singh emphasized that retirees can play vital roles in Viksit Bharat 2047, using their experience, skills, and knowledge to continue contributing to nation-building.
Dr. Singh proposed creating a national directory of retired officers, capturing their expertise and interests, enabling ministries to tap into their wisdom for policy-making and advisory roles. “At 60, many are at their intellectual best. We want them as partners in India’s development journey,” he said.
Highlighting digital reforms, he noted the success of platforms like Bhavishya, Digital Life Certificate (DLC), and face authentication tools, which have simplified pension processing and eliminated procedural delays. He praised the Department of Pensions under Secretary V. Srinivas for setting global benchmarks, inspiring countries like Maldives and Mongolia to follow India’s digital pension model.
The event included sessions on financial planning, CGHS benefits, pension updates, and digital tools to ensure a smooth post-retirement transition. Dr. Singh also pointed out progressive reforms such as faster pension processing for widows, inclusion of divorced daughters, and support for families of missing employees.
In a lighter moment, he encouraged retirees to explore hidden talents and even joked, “If you want to sing after retirement, we’ll help you audition at All India Radio!”
He concluded with a powerful message: “You are retiring as officials, not as citizens. Your best may still be ahead.”
The workshop also featured remarks by top officials including SBI Deputy MD Shamsher Singh, DoPPW Secretary V. Srinivas, Health Ministry Additional Secretary Roli Singh, and others from BSF and Indian Railways.
As India looks towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, the event underscored the vital role experienced retirees can play – not as bystanders, but as active contributors to the nation’s progress.
