The Tamil Nadu government has introduced the Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS) as a middle ground between the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). This new scheme aims to fulfill an electoral promise while maintaining fiscal prudence. TAPS assures pensioners 50% of their last drawn pay, includes employee contributions, and incorporates features like death-cum-retirement gratuity. This initiative addresses the demands of approximately six lakh government staff under CPS, balancing employee benefits with the state's financial obligations, including ongoing OPS retirements.