Ranchi: For top bureaucrats in Jharkhand, retirement is just the beginning of a new life. Their average age is around 65 but at heart they are 25. Former chief secretaries, development commissioners and other top babus who have got merit postings make up for their sagging skin and receding hairline with their enthusiasm and energy. Even after putting in eight to 10 hours in office daily, they are raring to go after retirement.
The secret behind their energy is perhaps a daily exercise schedule and positive thinking. Push-ups, reverse push-ups, jogging and various forms of exercise ensure there's never a dull moment in their lives. Most of them claim they have brought about a sea-change at their respective organisations. Most of them are also blog warriors, eager cooks and gardeners.
For former chief secretary of Jharkhand, Lakshmi Singh, age does not matter either. The 1970-batch Jharkhand cadre IAS is more comfortable working after retirement. Singh is the head of the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC). "I find post retirement assignments more comfortable. I have more freedom of action, thought and speech. I need not wait for the approval of any minister to implement my idea for reforming the council," said Singh, who comes to office at 10 in the morning and leaves after 5 in the evening.
"I cook my own food," Singh, who retired as chief secretary of Jharkhand in August 2005, said. A healthy diet and regular physical activities have kept Singh healthy and hearty. At JAC, Singh, who headed the Jharkhand State Women's Commission after retirement, conducts exams for lakhs of students. She also has to her credit a long list of achievements and reforms at JAC.
Years have added wrinkles to Singh's face, but her soul is as fresh as it was the day she joined the IAS. "I am ready to accept more responsibility after retiring as JAC chairperson," said Singh, whose tenure ends next month.
Mukhtiar Singh, 64, is the big boss of the Jharkhand Electricity Regulatory Commission. "If we forget our goals and principles we become old. The number of years can never make one old," said the 1976 batch Jharkhand cadre IAS officer.
Singh retired as Development Commissioner of Jharkhand in December 2007. Singh is a stickler for rules. "Whatever is the weather; I get up at 5 in the morning and then go for a walk. Rain, sunshine, cold, nothing stops me. I go for a walk in every season," he said.
At JSEC, Singh's achievements are many. "If your purpose of living is clear you will never grow old. Help those in need and your passing years will work as tonic for you,” he also said.
Former chief secretary of Jharkhand, Shiv Basant is another example of youth in middle age. The 1976 batch IAS officer served as chairman of the Jharkhand State Electricity Board and is now chairman of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC).
"Age is how you see it. If you think you are ageing, you will feel old," said Basant. Healthy and punctual to office, Basant has initiated many reforms at JPSC.
The 69-year-old Narendra Bhagat, a 1975 batch IAS officer, is working to revive the Jharkhand State Education Tribunal (JSET). A regular blogger, he said, "I never think I am losing my youth." Bhagat practises yoga regularly.
These youthful old babus are guiding a young state as the Jharkhand government has always been keen to provide merit postings to retired babus. Former chief secretary, M K Mandal, and retired IAS officer, BB Lal, have served as commissioner in JSEC. Former secretary in the Revenue Department A C Ranjan has served as member of JSET. IAS officer J L Baishyantri was made consultant in the Income Tax department after she retired. Secretary in the water resources department, she was appointed chairperson of the Public Distribution Grievances Commission.
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