TN govt revises Dearness Relief norms for TAPS interim payout

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has revised the Dearness Relief (DR) norms applicable to the interim monthly payout and family payout sanctioned under the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS) for eligible government servants who retire or die in service on or after January 1, 2026. 

Under the earlier order, the interim monthly payout and monthly family payout for eligible employees covered under the Contributory Pension Scheme were fixed at 30% of the monthly basic pay last drawn or Rs 10,000, whichever was higher, along with 60% Dearness Relief. The latest order addresses employees whose last pay was drawn under either the Seventh or Sixth Pay Commission scales.

The government noted that the rate of Dearness Allowance for employees continuing to draw, or who last drew, pay under the Sixth Pay Commission was 262% with effect from January 1, 2026. Accordingly, where 30% of the last drawn basic pay under the Sixth Pay Commission is below Rs 10,000 and the employee's pay has not been refixed or claimed under the Seventh Pay Commission, the interim payout will be stepped up to the minimum of Rs 10,000 during the interim period.

Where 30% of the last drawn Sixth Pay Commission basic pay is Rs 10,000 or above and the pay has not been refixed or claimed under the Seventh Pay Commission, DR will be sanctioned at 262% from the eligible date.

The government also reiterated that DR will be calculated only at 60% of the monthly basic pay last drawn under the Seventh Pay Commission.