The Tamil Nadu government has officially launched the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS), bringing an end to a nearly 23-year-long demand from state government employees for a more secure retirement system. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin initially announced the scheme, and a Government Order (G.O.) detailing its framework was subsequently issued on January 9/10, making TAPS effective from January 1, 2026. This new scheme aims to provide benefits akin to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), which was replaced by the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in 2003/2004, a move that led to prolonged protests by employee unions. Under TAPS, eligible government employees are assured a pension equivalent to 50% of their last-drawn basic pay and dearness allowance. While employees will contribute 10% of their basic salary to the pension fund, the state government has committed to bearing any additional financial requirement to ensure the promised assured pension. A crucial component of TAPS is the provision for Dearness Allowance (DA) hikes every six months, which will be on par with those for serving government employees. Additionally, the scheme includes a family pension clause, where nominees will receive 60% of the employee's pension in the event of their death, along with a gratuity benefit of up to Rs 25 lakh upon retirement or death while in service. TAPS is mandatory for all government employees who join service on or after January 1, 2026. For existing employees currently covered under the CPS, and who retire on or after the scheme's effective date, an option will be provided to choose between the benefits offered by TAPS or those available under CPS. The financial implications are significant, with an estimated immediate cost of ₹13,000 crore and an annual recurring expenditure of ₹11,000 crore for the state government. While employee associations like JACTO-GEO have largely welcomed TAPS, acknowledging it addresses their demands, some opposition has viewed it as a politically timed move that doesn't fully revert to the Old Pension Scheme. The scheme represents the government's effort to balance employee welfare with the state's financial health.