Allies of the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu have praised the state government’s move to launch the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS). They view this as a significant reform fulfilling a longstanding demand of government employees and teachers, ensuring dignity in retirement. The announcement by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin is seen as the culmination of a struggle spanning almost two decades, reflecting the state’s commitment to fulfilling electoral promises and safeguarding social security.
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. Selvaperunthagai expressed satisfaction with the rollout of TAPS, which concludes a 20-year campaign by employee and teacher associations. Despite acknowledging the increased financial burden on the state, he commended the government for displaying political will and credibility in upholding commitments to the workforce. The decision has received broad support from employee and teacher organizations.
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol Thirumavalavan lauded TAPS for offering much-needed relief to government employees seeking pension security post-retirement. He appreciated the Chief Minister’s responsiveness to a longstanding emotional demand. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) State secretary P. Shanmugam noted that the scheme substantially reinstates the core elements of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), achieved through prolonged employee struggles.
Selvaperunthagai urged the state government to promptly issue the Government Order (GO) and address other pending demands of staff and teachers in a phased manner. CPI State secretary M. Veerapandian emphasized that the decision fulfills the DMK’s 2021 Assembly election promise, emphasizing pension as a crucial social security commitment. He highlighted the government’s willingness to bear a significant fiscal responsibility, including enhanced family pension provisions, as a testament to governance focused on social justice.
According to allies, TAPS is anticipated to benefit approximately nine lakh employees, teachers, and their families, ensuring financial security and dignity post-retirement, while reinforcing the state’s dedication to welfare-centric public policy.
