Thiruvananthapuram, March 2 (IANS): Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy clarified on Monday that his government has no plans to increase the retirement age of state government employees.

The current retirement age is 56.

Some media reports suggested earlier that when the budget for the next fiscal 2015-16 will be presented on March 13, the retirement age would be raised to 58 and it is being done to tide over the financial crisis.

"Let me make it very clear, the reports to this effect are baseless and unfounded. No such things have been thought of. As and when this is thought of, first talks will be held with the various youth organisations," the chief minister said.

As per official estimates, a record four million youths are registered with the state owned Employment Exchanges, waiting for a job. Hence, it is most unlikely that the retirement age can be raised after reaching a consensus with the youth organisations.