Government employees likely to miss bonus and festival allowance

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Due to the financial crisis caused by Covid, government employees may not be given bonus and festival allowance this Onam. The practice of paying one month's salary in advance is likely to be skipped this time as well. Onam advance may also be avoided.

The final decision will be taken after consultation with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Last Onam, a total of over Rs 6,000 crore was required. As a result of the pay revision, more than Rs 8,000 crore will be required this year.

Up to Rs 15,000 was given as an advance for last Onam. Those earning up to Rs 27,360 were given a bonus of Rs 4,000 and those earning more than that were given a festival allowance of Rs 2,750. Only last grade employees are eligible for the bonus. Onam advance is taken back in five installments.

With the implementation of the pay reform, there has been an increase from Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000.

Salaries and other benefits paid during Onam would have been reimbursed as a good amount of tax as they would have reached the Onam market. In the present circumstances, that is not possible. Of the Rs 6,000 crore paid last time, no significant amount was returned as tax.

Onam salary in September

Although Thiruvonam is on August 21, the August salary will be paid in September as usual. During the Covid period, other sections of the society were in financial crisis but the government employees did not face such a situation. The decision was also taken due to this.

Then and now

More than Rs 6,000 crore: Total amount required for last Onam

More than Rs 8,000 crore: This is in proportion to the salary revision required this year

4100 crore: GST share from the Center

Salary and pension

2600 crore: One month's salary

2000 crore: One month pension

1670 crore: To pay two months welfare pension together

For advances and bonuses

750 crore: Advance of Rs15000 each

150 crore: Bonus last time

5 lakhs: Employees

5.15 lakh: Pensioners