The Tamil Nadu Government’s 2025 Grama Niladhari (Village Assistant) Employment Initiative for Salem District

The Tamil Nadu Government, through its Revenue and Disaster Management Department, has once again demonstrated its commitment to inclusive rural governance and public service by announcing a large-scale recruitment drive for the post of Grama Niladhari (Village Assistant) in the Salem District. This initiative stands as a cornerstone in the state’s continuous efforts to strengthen grassroots administration and bring efficient service delivery closer to the people.

The Grama Niladhari is not merely a government employee; the position represents the heartbeat of local governance. As the vital link between citizens and the state machinery, the Grama Niladhari ensures that welfare schemes, administrative services, and essential records reach every household effectively. The new recruitment notification—covering 65 vacancies across six taluks of Salem District—provides a remarkable opportunity for local residents to serve their communities while securing a respected, stable government position.

Key Dates

• Notification Released: September 26, 2025
• Application Start Date: September 26, 2025 (From 10:00 AM)
• Last Date to Apply: October 10, 2025 (Up to 5:45 PM)
• Mode of Submission: Offline – either in person or via Registered Post
• Application Fee: No fee (completely free of charge)

Objectives of the Recruitment Scheme

The Grama Niladhari recruitment initiative has been designed with multiple social, administrative, and developmental objectives:

1. Strengthening Local Administration:
   To reinforce the network of village-level administrative officers who act as the primary channel of communication and governance between the government and rural citizens.
2. Promoting Local Employment:
   To provide stable government employment opportunities to residents of specific taluks, thereby reducing migration and fostering socio-economic stability.
3. Ensuring Efficient Service Delivery:
   By appointing Grama Niladharis within their native taluks, the government ensures faster, more accurate, and culturally sensitive delivery of welfare schemes and essential services.
4. Upholding Social Justice:
   The recruitment follows Tamil Nadu’s robust community roster system, ensuring equitable representation of marginalized and backward communities.
5. Revitalizing Rural Governance Post-Disaster:
   As part of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department’s mandate, this initiative also strengthens disaster response capacity at the grassroots level through trained local personnel.

Key Features of the Scheme

This recruitment initiative stands out not just for its scope but for its inclusive and transparent structure. The following key features highlight the government’s approach toward fairness, opportunity, and efficiency.

1. Total Number of Vacancies

A total of 65 posts of Grama Niladhari (Village Assistant) have been announced across six taluks of Salem District. The vacancies are strategically distributed to ensure proportional representation and effective governance.

2. Taluk-wise Distribution

• Mettur Taluk: 10 posts
• Sankagiri Taluk: 12 posts
• Omalur Taluk: 17 posts
• Attur Taluk: 8 posts
• Valappady Taluk: 14 posts
• Gangavalli Taluk: 4 posts

Each post is attached to a specific revenue village, emphasizing local representation and community familiarity.

3. Salary and Scale of Pay

The post carries a Special Time Scale of Pay – Level 06, with a pay band ranging from ₹11,100 to ₹35,100. In addition to the basic pay, candidates are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other benefits as per Tamil Nadu Government norms.

This structured pay ensures not only immediate financial security but also long-term stability through pension and allowances.

4. Selection Procedure

The recruitment process comprises two major stages:

• Stage 1: Skill Test (Reading and Writing Tamil)
  All eligible applicants will be called for a written skill test assessing their ability to read and write Tamil — the official administrative language of the state.
• Stage 2: Personal Interview (Oral Test)
  Candidates who qualify in the skill test will proceed to a personal interview, where their communication, awareness, and suitability for rural administrative duties will be evaluated.

Final selection will be based on:

• SSLC marks (10th standard)
• Performance in skill test and interview
• Reservation roster eligibility and category merit

5. Localized Recruitment

Applicants must be permanent residents of the respective taluk for which they are applying. This ensures that administrative personnel have a deep understanding of local geography, population, and socio-economic context.

6. No Application Fee

In keeping with the government’s policy of inclusivity, no application fee is charged. This removes financial barriers for economically weaker candidates.

Salary and Benefits (Equivalent to Scholarship Amount)

While this is a recruitment rather than a scholarship scheme, the benefits mirror the financial stability typically associated with welfare programs.

Financial Structure

• Basic Pay: ₹11,100 per month (initial stage)
• Maximum Pay: ₹35,100 per month (after increments)
• Allowances: DA and HRA as applicable under Tamil Nadu Government norms
• Annual Increment: Fixed as per state pay commission guidelines
• Pension: Contributory Pension Scheme
• Leave Benefits: Paid government leave, medical leave, and festival holidays

Additional Benefits

1. Job Security: Permanent government service under the Revenue Department.
2. Medical Benefits: Coverage under Tamil Nadu State Government Health Insurance Scheme.
3. Social Respect: Recognized status within the community as a representative of the government.
4. Professional Growth: Eligibility for promotions and departmental advancements over time.

Eligibility Criteria

A. Educational Qualification

• The candidate must have appeared for or passed the SSLC (10th standard) examination conducted by the Tamil Nadu Government or an equivalent recognized board.
• Tamil language must have been one of the subjects studied and appeared for in the examination.
• Both passed and failed candidates are eligible, provided they possess the original SSLC mark sheet.

B. Residential Requirement

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of the taluk in which they are applying.
• Proof of residence such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Ration Card must be enclosed with the application.

C. Language Proficiency

• The candidate must possess the ability to read and write Tamil without errors.
• The skill test will verify this competency.

D. Physical Fitness and Vehicle Proficiency

• Applicants must submit a Physical Fitness Certificate as per Basic Rule 10.
• Candidates should be able to ride a bicycle or a two-wheeler, essential for travel within the village limits.

E. Age Limit (as of July 1, 2025)

Age Relaxation

• Persons with Disabilities (PwD): 10 years relaxation beyond the upper age limit.
• Ex-Servicemen:
  • General Category: up to 50 years
  • Reserved Categories: up to 55 years

Reservation Policy

Tamil Nadu’s long-standing social justice policy is reflected in this recruitment through a comprehensive community roster system ensuring representation across all categories.

Categories Covered

1. General Turn (GT)
2. Backward Classes (BC) and BC Muslims (BCM)
3. Most Backward Classes (MBC) and Denotified Communities (DNC)
4. Scheduled Castes (SC)
5. Scheduled Caste Arunthathiyars (SCA) – given preference within SC category
6. Scheduled Tribes (ST)

Priority Categories

Certain posts are earmarked for specific priority groups, including:

• Destitute Widows
• Persons Studied in Tamil Medium (PSTM)
• Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
• Dependents of Ex-Servicemen / Serving Personnel
• Ex-Servicemen
• Legal Heirs of Freedom Fighters or Tamil Scholars
• Indian Nationals repatriated from countries like Burma and Sri Lanka
• Inter-caste Married Couples (in applicable roster points)

Each taluk has its own micro-roster detailing the community and priority status applicable for every post, ensuring equitable participation.

Distribution of Vacancies (By Taluk)

The 65 vacancies are distributed across six taluks as follows:

This geographical spread ensures equitable development and administrative presence in all parts of the district.

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Applying for the post of Grama Niladhari is a structured and transparent process. Every candidate must carefully follow the steps below to ensure their application is valid.

Step 1: Obtain the Application Form

Candidates can download the official application form from the Salem District Government’s official website under the Recruitment section. Hard copies may also be available at respective Taluk offices.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

• Use blue or black ballpoint pen and write in clear block letters.
• Ensure all personal details, address, educational qualifications, and category details match the supporting documents.
• Affix a recent passport-size photograph on the form.

Step 3: Attach Self-Attested Documents

Candidates must attach self-attested photocopies of the following documents:

1. Duly filled application form
2. SSLC Certificate and Mark Sheet
3. Proof of Residence (Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Ration Card)
4. Community Certificate issued by a competent authority
5. Priority Certificates (if applicable)
6. Physical Fitness Certificate
7. Any other relevant documents supporting reservation or priority claim

Each copy should be signed with “True Copy” and dated by the candidate.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Candidates have two submission options:

Option A: In-Person Submission

Submit the filled application at the Office of the Tahsildar of the concerned taluk during official working hours before the deadline.

Option B: Postal Submission

Send the application via Registered Post to the Tahsildar’s Office of the concerned taluk. Applications must reach the office before 5:45 PM on October 10, 2025. Delayed submissions will not be accepted.

Role and Responsibilities of a Grama Niladhari

The Grama Niladhari plays a foundational role in rural administration. Their functions encompass both administrative and developmental responsibilities, including:

1. Maintenance of Land Records: Updating and preserving vital records such as patta, poramboke, and revenue registers.
2. Certificate Issuance: Assisting citizens in obtaining income, nativity, community, and residence certificates.
3. Implementation of Government Schemes: Acting as the ground-level officer ensuring the reach of welfare programs to eligible beneficiaries.
4. Revenue Collection Assistance: Supporting the revenue department in collection and verification processes.
5. Disaster Response: Serving as the first responder during floods, droughts, or other calamities.
6. Public Liaison: Bridging the communication between villagers and higher government officials such as the Tahsildar and Revenue Inspector.

The position thus embodies both administrative precision and community service.