UP police leaves cancelled for Diwali, state employees get bonus

Uttar Pradesh police leave has been cancelled from 5 to 17 November for Diwali and subsequent festivals. DGP Rajeev Krishna issued the order covering all police officers and staff, though leave may be granted in exceptional circumstances. The period includes Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, Chhath Puja and Dev Deepawali, when crowds gather at markets, temples, railway stations, bus stands and Chhath ghats. Additional police force will be needed for the Deepotsav in Ayodhya and other major events.

The state government has announced a Diwali bonus for about 15 lakh state employees. Seventy-five per cent of the bonus will be credited to employees' GPF accounts, and 25 per cent paid in cash. Employees who retired after 31 March 2026 or will retire by 30 April 2027 will receive the full bonus in cash. Employees penalised in departmental or criminal proceedings in 2025-26 will not get the bonus. The maximum bonus is Rs 6,908, calculated on a monthly salary cap of Rs 7,000.

The power corporation has assured uninterrupted electricity supply during the festivals. Chairman Ranveer Prasad reviewed arrangements and ordered no power cuts. All 57,694 gram panchayats will run a special cleanliness drive before, during and after Diwali, with fogging and anti-larvae spraying at waterlogged areas. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged people to gift 'One District One Product' items and promote local artisans.