Kerala govt announces Onam bonus, festival allowance and ₹20,000 advance
The Kerala government has announced a bonus and special festival allowance for its employees, teachers and pensioners ahead of Onam, one of the most important festivals of the state. The announcement, made through a Finance Department order dated August 14, is intended to help state government personnel meet their expenses during the festive season.
As per the order, a bonus of ₹4,500 will be provided to government employees and teachers. Employees who are not eligible for the bonus will receive a special festival allowance of ₹3,000. These payments are separate from the regular salary and are meant to support employees financially during Onam.
In addition, all employees will receive an Onam advance of ₹20,000, which will be recovered from their salaries. Part-time and contingent employees are eligible for an advance amount of ₹6,000. The order explicitly mentions that the amounts of bonus and advance are unchanged from the previous year, indicating a consistent policy.
The bonus will be payable to a wide category of personnel, including aided school teachers appointed through the Public Service Commission, part-time teachers who are paid on a salary-scale basis, full-time and part-time contingent employees in aided educational institutions, and employees working on deputation in corporations, public sector institutions, boards and grant-in-aid institutions. This ensures that a broad range of employees benefit from the scheme.
The special festival allowance of ₹3,000 is aimed at those who are not covered under the bonus category. It ensures that even employees who do not qualify for the bonus receive some financial assistance during the festival season. This is particularly relevant for temporary or contractual staff.
Onam, a harvest festival celebrated by Malayalis worldwide, marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. The festival is associated with family reunions, grand feasts, and traditional activities like the creation of pookalam (flower carpets) and the boat race. In Kerala, Onam is a time for new clothes, gifts and decorations, which often require significant spending. The government’s announcement comes in this context, providing a financial cushion to employees.
The advance of ₹20,000 is one of the major components of the announcement. This amount is helpful for employees who need to make large purchases such as household items, clothing, or electronics during the festival. The repayment of the advance through salary deductions is a common practice in many state governments.
The Finance Department order also notes that the disbursement will be made alongside the regular salary, ensuring that employees receive the benefit without any delay. This is an important step for employees who depend on these funds for festive preparation.
The announcement also covers pensioners, as stated in the original communication, though detailed eligibility is provided primarily for employees and teachers. The inclusion of pensioners highlights the government’s attention to the needs of retired personnel as well.
The state government has made similar announcements in previous Onam seasons, and the unchanged amounts from last year reflect a continuity in policy. This stability is likely to be welcomed by thousands of employees and pensioners across Kerala who rely on these allowances to manage festive expenses.
Onam this year will be celebrated in accordance with the Malayalam calendar, typically falling in August or September. The advance disbursal ahead of the festival ensures that employees can make necessary arrangements without financial stress.
