Chennai, January 4 (IANS). Allies of the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu have welcomed the government’s decision to implement the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme. Describing it as a historic reform, he said that government employees and teachers had been demanding it for a long time. The pension scheme gives them respect after they retire.
Leaders of DMK-affiliated parties said that this announcement by Chief Minister MK Stalin is the result of the struggle that has been going on for almost two decades. He stressed that even though the scheme would involve considerable financial outlay, it shows the state’s resolve to fulfill its election promises and protect social security.
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President K. Selvaperunthagai said the implementation of the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme marks the end of a 20-year-old campaign by employees and teachers’ organisations. Considering that this scheme will increase the financial burden on the state.
He said that the government’s decision shows political will and credibility in fulfilling the promises made to the employees.
He further said that employee and teacher organizations have largely welcomed the move. Welcoming the decision, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi President Thol Thirumavalavan said the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme will provide much-needed relief to government employees who were seeking pension security after retirement.
He thanked the Chief Minister for responding positively to an old and emotional demand. P. Shanmugam, state secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), said that the scheme has largely restored the main features of the old pension scheme, which the employees had achieved through years of persistent struggles.
Selvaperunthagai urged the state government to issue government orders at the earliest and fulfill other pending demands of the employees and teachers in a phased manner.
According to colleagues, the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme is expected to benefit around nine lakh employees, teachers and their families, ensuring financial security and dignity after retirement. At the same time, the state’s commitment towards welfare-centric public policy will also be strengthened.
–IANS
SAK/VC