THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A bonus of Rs 4,000 will be given to state government employees on Onam. Those who are not eligible for the bonus will be paid Rs 2,750 as a festival allowance. The announcement was made by Finance Minister K N Balagopal. Rs 1,000 will be given as a special festival allowance to service pensioners and employees who have retired under the contributory pension scheme.

Additionally, Rs 20,000 will be given as Onam advance to all government employees. Advance is Rs 6,000 for other employees including part term - contingent. All categories of employees, including contract-scheme workers who received a special festival allowance last year, will get it this year at the same rate. More than 13 lakh employees and workers will benefit from these announcements.