Government Announces Increased Onam Bonus, Allowances for Employees

Rapid Summary

• the Kerala State government announced an Onam bonus of ₹4,500 for government employees adn teachers, increased by ₹500 compared to last year.
• Employees not entitled to the bonus will receive ₹3,000 as a special festival allowance, which has been increased by ₹250 this year.
• Service pensioners’ Onam allowance has gone up by ₹250 to reach ₹1,250; pensioners under the contributory pension scheme are also eligible.
• Government employees can avail an Onam advance of ₹20,000; part-time and contingent employees will be eligible for an advance of ₹6,000.
• Contract-scheme workers’ festival allowance was raised by ₹250 from the previous year’s amount. They remain eligible for this increase if they received it last year.
• Approximately 13 lakh employees across different categories are expected to benefit from these measures despite financial constraints faced by the State due to Central government policies.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Kerala government’s decision to increase bonuses and allowances in connection with Onam demonstrates its commitment to supporting its workforce during India’s most celebrated harvest festival in South india. This move not only recognizes cultural significance but aims at ensuring economic relief for over 13 lakh beneficiaries amidst inflationary pressures.

However, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal referenced financial challenges stemming from Central policies while justifying this announcement-bringing attention yet again towards ongoing fiscal frictions between State and Center governments in India.

While such measures could inject liquidity into local markets ahead broader still skeptics question sustainability read official link balances discretionarylimits ReadMore.Scroll