Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has revised the salary eligibility limit for the Onam bonus provided to government employees and teachers, a move aimed at extending the festival benefit to a larger section of the state’s workforce.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced the revision as part of the government’s Onam-related financial assistance measures for employees. Under the revised criteria, employees with a total salary of up to ₹49,275 will be eligible for an Onam bonus of ₹4,500.
The revised ceiling marks a significant increase from the previous eligibility limit. Last year, employees with a total salary of up to ₹39,872 were eligible for the ₹4,500 bonus. The increase in the salary ceiling is expected to bring several more government employees and teachers within the bonus category.
₹4,500 Bonus for Employees Up to ₹49,275 Salary
The government’s decision to raise the eligibility threshold is expected to provide relief to employees who were previously excluded from the bonus because their salaries exceeded the lower ceiling.
Employees whose salary exceeds the revised bonus eligibility limit and are therefore not entitled to the Onam bonus will receive an Onam festival allowance of ₹3,000.
The measures are intended to ensure that government employees receive financial support during the Onam season, while also expanding the coverage of the bonus scheme.
₹20,000 Advance for Government Employees
In addition to the bonus and festival allowance, the government has announced an Onam advance of up to ₹20,000 for government employees.
The advance is expected to provide additional financial support to employees ahead of the festival, when household expenditure generally increases due to shopping, travel and other Onam-related expenses.
Payments to Begin From August 17
According to the Finance Department, the distribution of the Onam bonus and festival allowance will begin from August 17. The amounts will be credited to the bank accounts of eligible employees in phases.
The revised salary ceiling is likely to be particularly beneficial to employees who missed out on the ₹4,500 bonus in previous years because their total salary was above the earlier limit but remains within the newly approved threshold.
The government’s decision comes as employees across the state prepare for the Onam festival. By raising the bonus eligibility ceiling and providing a festival allowance and advance, the government aims to extend the benefits of the Onam package to a wider section of its workforce.
Key Onam Benefits at a Glance
₹4,500 Onam bonus: Employees with total salary up to ₹49,275
Previous salary ceiling: ₹39,872
Festival allowance: ₹3,000 for employees not eligible for the bonus
Onam advance: Up to ₹20,000 for government employees
Distribution begins: August 17
The revised bonus criteria are expected to offer considerable relief to employees who were excluded under the previous salary ceiling and will now qualify for the ₹4,500 Onam bonus.
