Chennai, Feb 26 (NationPress) In a significant move, the Tamil Nadu government has unveiled an increase in pension and retirement benefits for nutrition organisers, Anganwadi workers, village panchayat secretaries, and various categories of special time-scale employees, underscoring its dedication to supporting grassroots welfare personnel.

According to an official announcement, the monthly pension for nutrition organisers, Anganwadi staff, and village panchayat secretaries has been elevated from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,400.

Moreover, the lump sum retirement benefit awarded upon service completion has been raised from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh.

This enhancement follows the recommendations from the Officers’ Committee established in 2017 to assess pension and retirement benefits for special time-scale employees.

In line with these recommendations, the government has released orders to provide special periodic pensions and augmented lump sum retirement benefits to employees under the special time-scale pay structure.

The beneficiaries of this initiative include nutrition organisers, Anganwadi workers, mini Anganwadi workers, forest field workers, Anganwadi helpers, cooks, kitchen assistants, and cleaners.

Additionally, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has approved plans to offer improved family pensions and funeral assistance for the families of deceased retired workers.

The notification states that if a retired nutrition organiser or Anganwadi worker passes away, their family will qualify for a special family pension along with funeral assistance.

This initiative aims to enhance social security and financial support for families reliant on these crucial workers.

The government confirmed that the revised special pension, lump sum retirement benefit, and family pension will be disbursed according to the relevant account heads of the respective departments.

Any extra financial burden arising from the increased benefits will be charged to the appropriate accounts already designated for those departments.

This announcement is anticipated to benefit countless grassroots workers who are vital in providing nutrition services, early childhood care, and rural administrative support across the state.

By bolstering their post-retirement security, the government seeks to acknowledge their contributions to public welfare and community development in Tamil Nadu.

Officials indicated that the enhanced benefits will come into effect as per the government order, with detailed implementation guidelines to be issued by the relevant departments.