The Telangana government has approved gratuity benefits of up to ₹16 lakh for about 3,800 eligible fixed-tenure employees (FTEs) working under the Society for Rural Development Services (SRDS), resolving a demand pending for nearly two decades.
The Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department issued an order (G.O. R.t. NO. 548) on Tuesday, extending the benefits to eligible SRDS employees on a par with those working under the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP). The SRDS provides human resource management, capacity building and management of Community and District Level Resource Centres (CLRCs/DLRCs).
The government has fixed an initial gratuity ceiling of ₹16 lakh, subject to statutory provisions and periodic review. The financial implication is estimated at ₹1 crore a month and will be met from the administrative component of the VB-G RAM G scheme.
The order provides for calculating qualifying service from the date of appointment or conversion to FTE status. Earlier service rendered as a non-FTE may also be considered, subject to legal and statutory admissibility.
The SRDS has been directed to establish a group gratuity scheme or fund through the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) or another eligible institution. An actuarial valuation will be undertaken to assess existing and future liabilities.
Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka said the government was committed to protecting employees’ rights and ensuring their financial security after retirement.
Published – October 13, 2026 08:41 pm IST
