‘Fake books’ and a novelist’s questions: Inside Tamil Nadu’s ‘library scam’

The Tamil Nadu government has sanctioned a total of ₹198 crore to honor officials and staff who played a role in the 2026 Assembly election, according to a government order issued by the Public (Elections) Department. This amount will be distributed among various categories of personnel involved in the electoral process. For District Election Officers, Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, and other key officials, one month's basic pay, capped at ₹45,000, will be provided.

Similarly, those working in the election wings of certain offices, as well as members of various specialized teams such as Flying Squads and Video Surveillance Teams, will also receive this honorarium, subject to a maximum of ₹30,000 for certain roles. The payment will be processed through the respective District Election Officers.