DURU, July 21: Government of Jammu and Kashmir has not ruled out enhancement of retirement age of its employees to 60 years but is striking a balance to address aspirations of both the educated unemployed and the employees.

“We have not closed the chapter of enhancing retirement age from 58 to 60 years but the issue is under consideration of the government along with the demand of educated youth for absorption in the government services,” Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah told public gathering in Duru.

“We are working on a viable and comprehensive via medium in this direction,” Omar said addressing a public meeting after inaugurating a degree college at Duru in Anantnag district.

Union Minister for Human Resource Development Kapil Sibal was also present. The Chief Minister said de-linking of the age factor from the release of the 6th Pay Commission arrears in favour of teachers by the Centre is a welcome decision.

“UPA government is keen to see Jammu and Kashmir moving fast on road to progress and prosperity. Centre has provided enhanced support to the State during the last three years and will continue to do so in years to come,” Sibal said.

Omar Abdullah said that there has been remarkable improvement in the growth and development of education in the State. The enrolment in schools and literacy rate has shown upward trend.

He said that enhancement in female education is being focused and the State Government has initiated various measures with the help of Union Government to make headway in this direction.

“We do not want to announce colleges and schools without faculties, laboratories and necessary paraphernalia,” he said, adding, “it will be a funny thing to deceive people.”

“My government has flagged consolidation as an important ingredient in the expansion programme to make schools, colleges and other higher educational institutions functional and delivering,” he said.