Kerala Announces Onam Bonuses Amid Financial Crunch

Kerala government employees will receive an Onam bonus of Rs 4,000, with non-eligible staff receiving Rs 2,750 or Rs 1,000 as special allowances. A festival advance of Rs 20,000 is also available. The bonuses benefit over 13 lakh employees despite financial challenges from central fiscal policies.

The Kerala government has announced a special Onam bonus of Rs 4,000 for its employees, state Finance Minister K N Balagopal declared on Friday. Those who do not qualify for the bonus will receive a special festival allowance of Rs 2,750.

Balagopal also stated that service pensioners and employees under the contributory pension scheme will receive a special festival allowance of Rs 1,000. Additionally, a festival advance of Rs 20,000 has been sanctioned for all government employees, with part-time and contingent employees eligible for a Rs 6,000 advance.

This special assistance package, which benefits more than 13 lakh government staff and workers, has been rolled out despite financial constraints imposed by the Central government's fiscal policies. Meanwhile, the 10-day Onam festivities kicked off with the Athachamayam celebrations in Tripunithura, Kochi, featuring a vibrant parade of caparisoned elephants and folk performances. Kerala Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer officiated the festivities, urging people to move forward together, especially in light of recent natural disasters.

(With inputs from agencies.)