A high-level committee in Tamil Nadu has held crucial discussions on implementing a modified pension scheme for state government employees, following the submission of a final report by a senior panel. The final decision is now slated for the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister M K Stalin on January 6.
High-Level Meeting Reviews Pension Panel Recommendations
The meeting was led by Minister E V Velu and included Chief Secretary N Muruganandham and Finance Secretary T Udhayachandran. Ministers Thangam Thennarasu and Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi also participated in the deliberations with senior officers. The session, which lasted over an hour, focused on the suggestions made by the panel headed by senior officer Gagandeep Singh Bedi.
Key Recommendations of the Pension Panel
The expert panel has proposed integrating several key benefits into the proposed unified pension scheme (UPS). The major recommendations include:
- Incorporation of commutation of pension.
- Providing an insurance cover for employees.
- Inclusion of death-cum-retirement gratuity.
These elements are seen as critical for creating a comprehensive and beneficial pension structure for the state's workforce.
Addressing the Teachers' Pay Disparity Protest
During the meeting, officials also discussed the ongoing agitation by second-grade teachers, who are demanding equal pay for equal work. The core of the protest is a significant pay disparity: teachers appointed before June 1, 2009, receive a basic pay of ₹8,370, while those appointed on or after that date get only ₹5,200, despite having identical qualifications and duties.
In response, the high-level committee is considering reaching out to representatives of the JACTTO-GEO union. The aim is to request them to call off or defer their planned agitation. However, union representatives have stated they will not defer their decision to proceed with an indefinite strike.
Next Steps and Cabinet Decision
With the review meeting concluded, the matter now moves to the highest level of state governance. All recommendations and discussions will be presented before the state cabinet. The final call on the implementation and structure of the modified pension scheme, as well as the government's stance on the teachers' issue, will be taken in the cabinet meeting led by CM Stalin on January 6.
