Initiatives/Schemes
High Court Enlists Water Conservation Expert to Restore Tamirabharani River
- The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has appointed eminent water conservationist and Ramon Magsaysay awardee Rajendra Singh as Commissioner to undertake a detailed study of the river and suggest appropriate remedial measures.
- Rajendra Singh is called as the Waterman of India, has restored streams and rivers in Rajasthan that had gone dry.
Ulagam Ungal Kayil (The World in Your Hands Scheme)
- A new scheme called “The World in Your Hands” was launched by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, on January 5, 2026.
Key features of the scheme:
- The main objective is to provide free laptops to college students to enhance their skills and digital literacy.
- In the first phase, laptops are being provided to approximately 10 lakh students studying in higher education institutions such as government arts and science colleges, engineering colleges, medical colleges, polytechnics, and ITIs.
- The laptops for this scheme are procured and supplied by the Tamil Nadu Electronics Corporation (ELCOT).
Tamil Nadu Guaranteed Pension Scheme
- January 3, 2025: Chief Minister announced the Tamil Nadu Guaranteed Pension Scheme for Tamil Nadu government employees and teachers who joined service after 1.4.2004.
Key Features of the Guaranteed Pension Scheme
- Guaranteed Pension
- Tamil Nadu government employees will be guaranteed and provided with a pension equivalent to 50% of their last drawn monthly salary.
- Employees must contribute 10% towards this 50% guaranteed pension. The Tamil Nadu government will bear the remaining full amount required for the pension fund.
- Dearness Allowance (DA) Increase
- Pensioners receiving the 50% guaranteed pension will receive an annual dearness allowance increase every six months, equivalent to the increase given to serving government employees.
- Family Pension
- If a pensioner passes away, 60% of the pension they were receiving will be provided as a family pension to the family member they had previously nominated.
- Gratuity
- Government employees will be provided with a gratuity of up to a maximum of Rs. 25 lakhs upon retirement or in case of death during service, depending on their length of service.
- Minimum Pension
- After the implementation of the new guaranteed pension scheme, a minimum pension will be provided to all officers who retire without completing the required qualifying service period for pension eligibility.
- Special Compassionate Pension
- A special compassionate pension will be provided to those who joined service under the contributory pension scheme and retired without a pension during the interim period before the implementation of this new scheme.
