Arabhavi MLA Balachandra Jarkiholi
Belagavi : Former minister and Arabhavi MLA Balachandra Jarkiholi has sparked a debate by questioning why elected representatives are not subject to a retirement age, while govt employees are required to retire at 60. He urged political leaders to take a broader view of the issue and consider legislation prescribing an age limit, possibly 60 or 65 years, for holding elected office. However, he did not clarify whether he intended to retire from public life after turning 60.
Speaking at a taluk-level Teachers’ Day programme organised at Patagundi village in Mudalagi taluk on Saturday, Jarkiholi said changing lifestyles, altered food habits and rising health concerns, including hypertension and diabetes, could affect a person’s ability to work effectively at an advanced age .“If govt employees must retire at 60, why should there not be a retirement age for MLAs, MPs and ministers as well?” he asked. He said the issue deserves serious discussion at the national level. “There comes a stage when health does not permit the same level of public service and hard work,” he said. Such a measure, he said, would encourage wider public debate and bring greater uniformity to retirement norms. Describing the proposal as his personal opinion, Jarkiholi said he respected differing views but believed the matter warranted serious consideration.
A video of his remarks has gone viral. Jarkiholi noted that several political leaders continue to remain active in politics well into their eighties and nineties, while employees in other sectors are required to retire upon reaching the prescribed age.