Old Pension Scheme: Minister Anbil Mahesh questions Edappadi Palaniswami
Tamil Nadu: School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh has questioned why the promise of the old pension scheme was not fulfilled when the AIADMK, led by Edappadi Palaniswami, was in power for four years in Tamil Nadu.
His statement: Opposition leader Edappadi Palaniswami’s interviews and statements indicate that he is becoming nervous as the assembly elections approach. When Edappadi Palaniswami gave an interview to reporters in Salem, he stated that if he returns to power, a decision on reinstating the old pension scheme for government employees will be taken based on the situation.
The pension scheme was abolished in 2003 during the AIADMK’s rule. Furthermore, the AIADMK did not fulfill its promise made in its 2016 assembly election manifesto that steps would be taken to continue the old pension scheme (promise number 46).
However, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a pension scheme, a 23-year-old demand of government employees, bringing a new lease of life to their lives. Now, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami’s sudden favor to government employees is an election drama.
The central government’s Integrated Pension Scheme calculates pension at 50% of the average basic pay of the previous 12 months. However, the Tamil Nadu government’s Guaranteed Pension Scheme calculates pension at 50% of a government employee’s previous month’s basic pay. This calculation was also in place under the old pension scheme. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced this, fulfilling the demand of government employees who had demanded the old pension scheme.
Only those who have worked for at least 10 years and retired under the central government scheme will receive a pension, followed by a family pension. However, the Tamil Nadu government’s scheme guarantees a minimum pension even if the service period is shorter. He said that the Tamil Nadu government has given Rs 13,000 crore for this scheme and has announced to give another Rs 11,000 crore annually.
