Chief Minister MK Stalin has finally broken a two-decade-old deadlock for Tamil Nadu’s government employees and teachers by launching the "Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme" (TAPS). Announced on Saturday, the new plan is designed to mirror the core benefits of the long-sought Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Under TAPS, retiring employees are guaranteed a pension equivalent to 50 per cent of their last drawn salary, a move that the CM described as a "visionary and practical" solution to a struggle that has lasted 23 years.
To make this work, the state isn’t just relying on the standard 10 pc employee contribution; the government has committed to covering the entire additional funding required for the Pension Fund. This is a massive financial undertaking, requiring an immediate infusion of ₹13,000 crore and an estimated annual contribution of ₹11,000 crore from the state treasury. Stalin acknowledged that while Tamil Nadu’s fiscal situation is "severe," the government chose to fully bear the cost to ensure the long-term security of its workforce and their families.
The scheme includes several safeguards that mimic the old system: pensioners will receive Dearness Allowance (DA) hikes every six months to keep up with inflation, and in the event of a pensioner’s death, their nominee will receive 60 pc of the amount as a family pension. Furthermore, the death gratuity has been set at a maximum of ₹25 lakh, and even those who don't meet the full qualifying service period will be eligible for a minimum pension. For those who retired under the older Contributory Pension Scheme before TAPS was ready, a "Special Compassionate Pension" has been introduced to ensure they aren't left behind.
The reaction from the ground has been overwhelmingly positive. Members of JACTO-GEO — the joint action council leading the agitation for over two decades — met with the Chief Minister at the Secretariat to thank him for the gesture in what has been regarded as the perfect start to the New Year and Pongal celebrations. Stalin has since tweeted about this particular gesture as reflective of his "Dravidian Model of Governance," promising that when the state's finances are stronger in the future, the needs of all sections of society would be automatically taken care of.
Also read: Stalin to announce benefits for govt staff by Jan 6: TN Edu Min
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