CHENNAI: In a clear sign of Pattali Makkal Katchi's (PMK's) rival factions heading in opposite directions in their alliance choices, party founder S Ramadoss has appreciated the DMK government over the revamped pension scheme, while son Anbumani Ramadoss hit out at the announcement, calling it a deception.

The newly announced Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS) has once again exposed how the split between the senior and the junior appears beyond mending.

In a statement, Ramadoss said that the scheme contains several welcome features that protect the interests of government employees and teachers. Notably, it assures 50% of the last drawn salary as pension and provides special compassionate retirement to those who retired without pension during the interim period before the new scheme's implementation, he added.

However, Anbumani alleged that the scheme, presented with "attractive packaging," is riddled with loopholes and does not match the benefits of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

While appreciating the TAPS, party founder Ramadoss stressed that pensions should be revised in line with Pay Commission recommendations so that those who retired before the notified date can also benefit.

On the other hand, Anbumani took a dig at the DMK government for failing to restore OPS and said that the TAPS has been introduced keeping an eye on the upcoming Assembly elections. "Key aspects such as qualifying service period, minimum pension amount, special compassionate pension for those already retired, and the date of implementation have not been specified," he said.

Father Ramadoss urged the Chief Minister to announce the regularisation of all temporary, daily wage, contract, part-time, consolidated pay, and time-scale employees across all departments, and to uphold the principle of equal pay for equal work. Anbmani questioned the government about how it would raise Rs 13,000 crore for the pension fund, given that its term is nearing completion.

Warning of possible legal challenges and court intervention, Anbumani alleged that the scheme was announced with political motives and assured that the PMK would ensure full implementation of the Old Pension Scheme after a change of government.