Invoking his Dravidian model, Stalin showers sops on govt employees

Indian Express

28-04-2025

In a sweeping set of announcements ahead of the scheduled Assembly polls next year, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday unveiled a nine-point package for government employees and teachers, a significant voter base numbering close to 10 lakh.
Presenting the measures in the Assembly under Rule 110, Stalin positioned the Dravidian model government as the steadfast guardian of state workers' welfare, even as the political stakes rise.
'With your permission, I would like to make announcements regarding government employees under Rule 110,' Stalin began as the House responded with a round of desk-thumping. 'Our government employees are the pillars of administration and the arms of the government. Since this Dravidian model government assumed office, countless welfare schemes and developmental programs across various sectors have been implemented… Tamil Nadu stands at the forefront and leads in various aspects across India.'
Stalin's speech, a mix of ritualistic praise and specific policy, left little doubt about the government's intent: 'The tireless work and sincere contribution of government employees and teachers is a very important reason for this. On behalf of the government of Tamil Nadu and personally, I would like to appreciate and congratulate each government employee who ensures the effective delivery of welfare schemes to all people, leaving no one behind,' he said.
Stalin then launched into the heart of his address: 'At this moment, I wish to announce nine welfare measures for the benefit of government employees through your esteemed office.'
Encashment of leaves
'During the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the heavy burden on government finances, the encashment of earned leave for government officers was suspended. In the Budget statement for 2025–2026, it was announced that this would be reintroduced from April 2026, allowing encashment of up to 15 days. However, government officers and teachers have requested implementation of this scheme within this financial year itself. After considering their request, I am pleased to announce in this House that earned leave encashment of up to 15 days will be allowed with effect from October 1, 2025.'
This move, according to Stalin, is likely to benefit eight lakh government employees and teachers, and cost the state an additional Rs 3,561 crore annually.
'Based on the decision of the Union government to grant a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance from January 1, 2025, I am pleased to announce that Tamil Nadu state government employees will also receive a 2% hike in Dearness Allowance from January 1, 2025.'
'Approximately 16 lakh government officers, teachers, pensioners, and family pensioners will benefit from this. An additional Rs. 1,252 crore per year will be spent to implement this hike.'
Doubling of festival advance
'To help government officers and teachers celebrate festivals joyfully with their families, the existing festival advance of Rs 10,000 will be doubled to Rs 20,000.' The move is likely to benefit about eight lakh government employees and teachers every year.
Hike in education advance
'The education advance provided to government employees will be enhanced to Rs 1,00,000 for vocational studies and to Rs 50,000 for arts, science, and polytechnic courses.'
'Manifold increase' in marriage allowance
Stalin announced a 'manifold increase' in the marriage advance for all government employees and teachers, raising it from Rs 10,000 for women and Rs 6,000 for men to a uniform Rs 5 lakh for all.
Other key decisions
Other highlights included doubling the Pongal festival gift for C and D group pensioners and family pensioners from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000, raising the festival advance for pensioners from Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,000, and instructing a committee to submit its report on the state's three pension schemes by September 30.
Crucially, the CM also addressed a long-pending grievance affecting thousands of women government employees: 'Earlier, the maternity leave for married government women employees was increased from 9 months to 1 year with salary from July 1, 2021. However, under current rules, the maternity leave period is not counted towards the probationary period, which has affected thousands of young women employees, delaying their confirmation and depriving them of promotions and seniority. In order to protect the rights of women in government service, and in line with this government's commitment to women's advancement, I am pleased to announce that, henceforth, the period of maternity leave will be counted towards the probationary period.'
Concluding his address on a note of Dravidian pride: 'Following the footsteps of Kalaignar (late M Karunanidhi), the scholar of three Tamil traditions, this Dravidian model government will continue to act as the shield of government employees and as a government deeply concerned about their welfare – it will continue – continue – continue.'
The package, amounting to thousands of crores in new spending, is widely seen as a direct pitch to a formidable vote bank – Tamil Nadu's government employees, teachers, and pensioners, whose families together influence at least more than 20 to 30 lakh votes.