THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: This Onam is a bliss for the employees as well as those coming looking for beverages’ outlets. Employees will get up to Rs 95,000 as bonus. Performance incentive and ex gratia will be given separately to avoid exceeding the government's bonus limit. Last time it was Rs 90,000.

The government gets more than Rs 5000 crore in taxes through liquor. BEVCO has 5000 employees across outlets and offices. Sweepers will get Rs 5000 as bonus. A decision was taken on the bonus in the talks held in the excise minister's chamber.

Labor Department Minister V Sivankutty has announced that financial assistance of Rs 67 crore has been sanctioned for workers during Onam in the state. The amount was sanctioned under bonus, Onakit, ex-gratia and income support scheme. 45 crores have been sanctioned under the income support scheme for those engaged in traditional sector occupations in the state. 4,47,451 workers in the fields of coir, handloom, khadi, beedi and cigar and fish will get benefits during Onam.

Rs 2,14,64,000 has been sanctioned as ex-gratia financial assistance to workers in private public sector enterprises, coir establishments and plantations which are closed in the state. 10,732 workers will get ex gratia financial assistance of Rs 2000/each this Onam. Workers in cashew factories which have been locked for one year or more will get Rs 3,20,73,450 as ex gratia financial assistance.

14,647 workers in 398 closed cashew factories in the state will get financial assistance at the rate of Rs 2250 during Onam. 2 crores have been sanctioned to the Kerala Cashew Workers' Relief Welfare Board for disbursement of disability pension.