In a move aimed at placating a restive workforce, the Tamil Nadu government on Thursday sanctioned a substantial sum of ₹183 crore for Pongal bonus and festival assistance. This announcement comes at a critical time, as state government employees and teachers' unions have been threatening to go on strike over unmet demands, primarily the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
Details of the Financial Allocation
According to an official release, the allocated funds are designated for a wide range of beneficiaries. The package includes bonus payments for employees and teachers falling under the 'C' and 'D' categories. Additionally, it covers Pongal gifts for pensioners, family pensioners, and former village administrative officers and their assistants.
The government estimates that approximately 9.9 lakh employees and pensioners will benefit from this financial assistance. For 'C' and 'D' category staff and teachers, the bonus payment is capped at ₹3,000 each. A separate provision of ₹1,000 as a special bonus has been made for employees drawing consolidated pay, those on special time-scale pay, and full-time or part-time workers who have completed a minimum of 240 days of service in the current financial year.
Pensioners Included in the Package
The festival package is not limited to active employees. Pensioners and family pensioners from the 'C' and 'D' categories, along with former village administrative staff and special pensioners, will receive a Pongal gift of ₹1,000 each. This inclusive approach seeks to extend the festive cheer to retired government personnel as well.
Unions Dismiss Announcement as "Eyewash"
Despite the significant financial outlay, employee unions have reacted with strong criticism, stating that the bonus announcement fails to address their core grievances. A. Mayavan, the state coordinator of the Joint Action Council of Tamil Nadu Teachers and Government Employees Organisations (JACTO-GEO), was unequivocal in his dismissal.
"This announcement is an eyewash," Mayavan stated. He emphasized that the unions remain steadfast in their primary demand: the complete restoration of the Old Pension Scheme in its original form, without any dilution. The bonus, he noted, applies only to two categories of employees and does not constitute a resolution to the larger dispute.
The unions have a crucial meeting scheduled for Friday with a high-level ministerial panel constituted by the state government. This panel includes Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, Public Works Minister E V Velu, and School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi. Mayavan made it clear that JACTO-GEO will not accept any compromise on the OPS issue during these discussions.
He reiterated that the call for a strike remains active and will only be withdrawn if a clear and favourable decision on their demands is communicated by the government. The standoff highlights the growing tension between the state administration and its employees, with the festive season bonus failing to quell the underlying discontent over long-term financial security.
