Young scientists oppose proposal to raise retirement age to 65 in agricultural universities

Young scientists and researchers from across Andhra Pradesh have urged the State government not to increase the retirement age in agricultural and allied universities, stating that such a move would further delay recruitment and deprive qualified youth of employment opportunities.

Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, they said appointments in agricultural and allied universities have remained stalled for nearly a decade. Earlier, the retirement age in these institutions was 60 years, which was later increased to 62 years. Now, some individuals are reportedly exerting pressure through various organisations to further extend the retirement age to 65 years, they said.

The scientists pointed out that due to the absence of regular recruitment over the past several years, many universities have been functioning with temporary staff. As a result, students who have completed higher education and specialised training in agricultural sciences are facing unemployment and growing frustration.

They appealed to the State government and senior officials in the agriculture sector to focus on creating opportunities for young professionals trained in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, mechanisation and deep technologies that are transforming modern agriculture worldwide.

The young scientists also noted that no other State in the country has fixed the retirement age at 65 years in such institutions and questioned the need to introduce it in Andhra Pradesh. Instead of extending the retirement age, the government should immediately issue notifications for fresh recruitment to fill vacant posts in agricultural and allied universities, they demanded.

Several young scientists from different regions of the State participated in the programme, including Dr. Balakrishna, Dr. Kiran, Dr. Rajesh, Dr. Avinash, Dr. Pradeep and Dr. Ramadevi. They urged the government to halt the proposed move and initiate recruitment to ensure opportunities for qualified youth.