CHENNAI: In a major relief to families of deceased government pensioners, the Tamil Nadu government has issued a government order to streamline disbursal of the Family Security Fund (FSF), enabling quicker settlement of the Rs 50,000 assistance amount. The change is expected to benefit around six lakh families.
To eliminate prolonged delays, proposals will no longer be routed to the director of Treasuries and Accounts. Instead, powers have been delegated to district treasury officers and sub-treasury officers, allowing claims to be processed and settled at the district and taluk levels.
According to the government order issued by T Udhayachandran, principal secretary, Finance Department, the spouse, nominee or legal heirs of a deceased pensioner are eligible to receive the assistance. The order noted that families often remained unaware of when the amount would be credited due to processing delays, despite the settlement of lifetime arrears.
“Most families did not know when they would receive the amount. With the process now handled locally, they can approach the offices directly and obtain the assistance without delay,” said N Perumal, a retired government employee from Tirunelveli.
The Family Security Fund is a self-supporting scheme, funded by a monthly deduction of Rs 150 from the pension. On the death of a pensioner, the amount is paid to the spouse. If the spouse is no longer alive, the nominee receives the amount. In the absence of a nominated beneficiary, the assistance is disbursed equally among legal heirs.