Retired temple EOs in Tamil Nadu allege delay in terminal benefits over pending audit objections
Former officers allege that the charges levelled by the auditors were sometimes “very frivolous.”
At least 50 retired executive officers from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department in Tamil Nadu are facing delays in receiving their terminal benefits due to pending audit objections. These former officers claim that the audit objections, often deemed "frivolous" by the retirees, have led to significant financial hardships.
For instance, an EO who spent a small sum on extra firewood during the rainy season was held responsible for the cost. Similarly, if a temple misplaces a receipt for a payment made via cheque or demand draft, the EO must bear that expense as well. The auditors have raised objections over minor discrepancies, such as typos in numbers, which EOs are required to pay.
V. Vetriselvan, former president of the Tamil Nadu Temple Executive Officers Federation, stated that retirees since April 2019 have been experiencing delays in settling retirement benefits without any valid reason. Some retirees, like Jeganathan, have faced grave consequences, such as being unable to pay for medical expenses or working in low-paying jobs to survive.
The federation is planning to stage a protest with begging bowls to draw attention to their plight. Despite previous circulars and instructions from the Commissioner in 1988, audit objections for retiring officials have not been addressed in a timely manner.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
