To mark the celebrations of Onam, Kerala’s Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal has announced special bonuses and allowances for government employees, teachers, pensioners, and other beneficiaries across the state. Despite ongoing financial challenges, the state government has decided to maintain the same level of Onam benefits as last year.
Onam bonuses and advances
Government employees and teachers will receive a festive bonus of Rs 4,000 each. For those not eligible for the bonus, a festival allowance of Rs 2,750 will be provided. Additionally, employees enrolled in contributory pension schemes, as well as retired pensioners, will receive Rs 1,000 each as a festive bonus.
In a statement reported by Times of India, Balagopal said, "All government employees in the state will be given an Onam advance of Rs 20,000. Part-time and contingent staff will receive an advance of Rs 6,000. Contract and scheme workers who received a festival allowance last year will get the same rate this year too."
More than 13 lakh employees are expected to benefit from these Onam incentives. Balagopal emphasized that, despite the economic constraints caused by the central government’s policies, Kerala remains committed to ensuring its workers and pensioners receive their Onam benefits without any reductions.
Pensions for Onam
The state government has also prioritized the timely distribution of pensions. A total of Rs 1,700 crore has been allocated for this purpose. As per Balagopal's announcement, two instalments of social security and welfare pensions will be distributed before Onam, benefiting around 62 lakh people who will receive Rs 3,200 each.
Pension distribution will begin on Wednesday, with around 26 lakh beneficiaries having their pensions directly credited to their bank accounts. The remaining recipients will receive their pensions at home through cooperative banks. The Finance Minister reassured that, despite financial restrictions, welfare pension arrears will be paid this year and next.
"The government has ensured monthly pension disbursement since last March," said Balagopal. He added that Kerala has established one of the most comprehensive social security pension programs in the country, with 98% of the required funds coming from the state government and only 2% from the Union government.
Future pension disbursements
In July, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed the State Legislative Assembly that the five pending instalments of social security and welfare pensions, totalling Rs. 4,250 crores, would be disbursed across the 2024-25 and 2025-26 fiscal years. He also mentioned that two of the pending instalments would be released this fiscal year, while the remaining three would be distributed in 2025-26.
As Kerala moves forward with its Onam preparations, the state government’s commitment to protecting the financial well-being of its employees and pensioners remains steadfast, even in the face of economic challenges.
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