Secretariat staff want FPS back to save more funds for state

According to the members of the association, government will get more funds released if FPS is implemented. “So far, Rs 24,000 crores had been deposited under CPS in the state. If the old FPS is brought back, the fund would be available to the state for welfare measures,” said Peter Anthonysamy, president, Tamil Nadu Secretariat Association.

Members of Tamil Nadu Secretariat Association met D Jayakumar, Minister for Fisheries, Personnel and Administrative Reforms, in his office in the Secretariat and held talks with him for close to 45 minutes. During the talks, the recommendations of former IAS officer Sridhar committee, handed over to the government, was discussed in the meeting as the members informed Minister that if FPS is implemented state will not be in a position to face extra financial burden, as widely believed.

Antonysamy said that at present there are 5.5 lakh government employees and teachers enrolled under CPS. They contribute 10 per cent of their salary per month for CPS and the same amount is also contributed by the state government.

As on date, the total fund under CPS is Rs 24,000 crore, including the interest amount. “If FPS is implemented immediately, Rs 12,000 which is the contribution of the state government will be free and it will be back to the state,” said Antonysamy.

He also said that as far as the remaining Rs 12,000 crore is considered, the amount can be transferred under General Provident Fund (GPF), which can be taken only after three years and that too they can withdraw only Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 per transaction, which will ensure that the state gets enough interest out of the funds and all the amount can be used for welfare schemes.