Chandigarh, Aug 26 (IANS): In an apparent pre-poll sop, the Bhupinder Singh Hooda government in Haryana Tuesday announced a raise in the age limit for entry and retirement in government jobs in the state.

The state government announced that the upper age limit for entry to state government jobs will now be 42 years instead of 40 years for all categories of candidates.

A notification to this effect was issued by the state chief secretary here.

The Hooda government has also raised the age of superannuation (retirement) from 58 to 60 years for government employees.

"The existing instructions in regard to relaxation of five years in the upper age limit in respect of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes for appointment to gazetted as well as non-gazetted services or posts would remain in force," a spokesman said here.

He said that the decision would come into force with immediate effect and would have prospective effect only.

Haryana goes in for assembly polls by October end this year and the Hooda government has been making several announcements to please all sections of people.