Such phenomenon is also seen in different provinces of the country.
A human resources official in Hunan said early retirement is part of the smooth institutional reform, opening up promotion opportunities to promising young workers.
The director of a local transportation bureau told Xinhua that he has felt under tremendous pressure for the past eight years. "I am exhausted due to heavy responsibility and lightweight benefits. I hope for an early return to family life," he said.
Other officials said after decades of work, they've done all they set out to do, so it is a perfect time to step aside given the package on offer.
Some have complained that they had to retire because they were simply too busy and had no spare time for training, so failed to keep up with the changing situation.
VIABLE AND FAIR?
Officials often become less productive once they are over the age limit for promotion and the prospect of leading posts can motivate young officials to make progress, said Yang Yansui, professor with Tsinghua University school of public policy and management.
Early retirement is understandable as long as it meets legal requirements, but strict supervision is needed to ensure retirees do not engage in rent-seeking by exploiting old connections, said Zhou Xiaozheng, a sociologist with Renmin University of China.
Despite some expert enthusiasm, others are skeptical.
"Public servants are not included in social security programs, so they haven't contributed a penny to the capital pool, yet they can retire early with more pension while ordinary workers toil on for years. What a privilege!" said a user nicknamed "Ironman" on Sina Weibo.
Many others expressed similar concerns. "It's just unfair. If civil servants are incompetent, why not just dismiss them like in private enterprises?" said "Shanyong."
"Postponing retirement will limit employment opportunities for the younger generation, so a flexible early retirement might work," said Deng Dasong, a social security professor at Wuhan University, adding 30 percent of job vacancies are a result of retirement.
Retirees can still play a constructive role in society. "They are very experienced in social affairs, and can be organized to provide advice to the government and promote social welfare undertakings," said "Lionel" on Sina Weibo.
