Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin Unveils Pension Scheme, Criticizes Central Government
In a significant address aimed at securing the support of government employees, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin made a compelling case on Sunday, emphasizing the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government's unwavering commitment to their welfare. Speaking at a felicitation event organized by Jacto–Geo to announce the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS), Stalin highlighted the financial challenges faced by the state, attributing them to what he described as a deliberate denial of funds by the Union government.
Financial Crisis and Political Accusations
Stalin pointed to a severe funds crunch, stating, "Low income and high expenditure — that is our present situation. This financial crisis is being created deliberately and in a planned manner." He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government of intentionally withholding financial support to Tamil Nadu, while also criticizing the previous All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) administration for ignoring long-standing demands from employees.
According to Stalin, the AIADMK had removed the old pension scheme during its tenure, leading to what he called "tears of blood" for hardworking employees. In contrast, he portrayed the DMK government as compassionate and proactive, having embraced employees' needs despite fiscal constraints.
Introduction of Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS)
The centerpiece of Stalin's announcement was the TAPS, a new pension initiative designed to address employee concerns. He revealed that implementing this scheme would require the Tamil Nadu government to allocate an additional 13,000 crore to the pension fund, with an annual contribution of around 11,000 crore. Stalin acknowledged that this financial commitment is expected to increase in the coming years, underscoring the government's dedication to employee welfare.
In a heartfelt appeal, Stalin told the assembled government employees, "So, please do not widen our bond by saying thank you." He emphasized the symbiotic relationship between the cabinet and employees, describing them as "two sides of the same coin" and reaffirming that the Dravidian model government is fundamentally for the benefit of government staff, a principle he attributed to the late CM M Karunanidhi.
Welfare Measures and Achievements
Stalin detailed a comprehensive list of welfare initiatives introduced by the DMK government for employees, including:
- Establishment of a government employees' family security fund.
- Compassionate appointment provisions for legal heirs of employees who die in service.
- Access to marriage loans, vehicle loans, and housing loans.
- Implementation of a medical insurance scheme.
- Enhancement of the age limit for entry into government service.
Additionally, Stalin praised government teachers, crediting them with Tamil Nadu's achievement as the second-best state in India for school education. He reiterated that despite the financial hurdles posed by the central government's actions, the DMK administration has successfully countered these challenges both politically and administratively, all while fulfilling the demands of government employees.
This announcement comes at a time when Tamil Nadu is navigating complex fiscal dynamics, with Stalin positioning the DMK as the sole advocate for employee rights in the face of opposition from both the AIADMK and the BJP-led Union government.
