Edappadi K Palaniswami announces Rs 10L solatium to kin of deceased Tasmac staffer

CHENNAI: Close on the heels of the sensational murder of a salesman by some miscreants at the state-owned liquor retailer, Tasmac, in Krishnagiri district, Chief Minister on Friday promptly announced a solatium of Rs 10 lakh to the next-of-kin of the wine shop staff, M Raja, of Nedusalai village there.

In a statement here, Mr. Palaniswami, expressing deep regrets at the incident, conveyed his grief to the family members of Raja. Considering their poor family situation, he said a job in the local noon meal or anganvadi center will be given to the deceased staff's wife. All the monetary benefits due to the slain employee will also be settled soon, Palaniswami said.

While this shocking incident has only increased the sense of insecurity among Tasmac staff, who are often soft targets of burglars who eye the day's collection at the wine shops, what has surprised observers is the speed with which the solatium was ordered as it pertained to a Tasmac staff, as it is a cash cow for the state.

Employees of other government departments are not so lucky when faced with similar tragedies, they aver.
However, an office-bearer of the Tamil Nadu Government Employees Union, has welcomed Mr. Palaniswami's prompt announcement as such allocations are from the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund. Giving a job on compassionate grounds to the next-of-kin is also as per CM's discretion, he pointed out though there is no general rule applicable for all departments.

The victim was a contract staff on a consolidated pay and the government's response was swift, the office-bearer appreciated. He hoped that employees of other government departments and public undertakings were also given such benefits promptly in the event of such tragedies like murder.