Travancore Devaswom Board Increases Pensions and Introduces Family Pension for Retired Part-Time Employees

Thiruvananthapuram: The Travancore Devaswom Board has announced an increase in the pension amount for retired part-time employees. The monthly pension has been raised from Rs. 2,760 to Rs. 4,583. In a historic first, the Board has also introduced family pensions for the families of retired part-time employees.

The family pension for part-time employees will be set at Rs. 3,375 per month. This move addresses a long-standing demand from employees. For the first time in history, family pensions have been extended to ex-gratia in-service pensioners as well.

Specifically, families of ex-gratia in-service pensioners who retired between February 1, 2011, and March 14, 2017, will receive a monthly family pension of Rs. 4,583. Additionally, the pension amounts for ex-gratia in-service pensioners who retired within this period have also been increased from Rs. 2,760 to Rs. 4,585 per month.

For those who retired before April 1, 1985, the monthly ex-gratia in-service pension has been raised from Rs. 4,340 to Rs. 5,262. Similarly, family pensions for employees who retired between April 1, 1985, and March 13, 2017, have also been increased from Rs. 4,340 to Rs. 5,262 per month.

The Travancore Devaswom Board President, Adv. P.S. Prashanth, along with members Adv. A. Ajikumar and Adv. P.D. Santhosh Kumar in their official statement affirmed that the board is committed to fulfilling employee demands and ensuring their well-being.

This decision by the Travancore Devaswom Board marks a significant advancement in the welfare policies for retired employees, particularly part-time staff who have often been overlooked in pension schemes. The enhancement of pension amounts and the introduction of family pensions provide much-needed financial security to retired employees and their dependents, recognizing their service and contribution to the Board.

The move also reflects a broader trend in public and semi-government organisations to improve social security measures amid rising living costs. By extending family pensions, the Board is ensuring that the families of deceased pensioners are not left without support, which is an important step towards comprehensive employee welfare.