Diwali Bonus: The festive season has brought great news for government employees in Uttar Pradesh. In a major announcement, the Yogi Adityanath-led government has approved a Diwali bonus for its non-gazetted employees, bringing cheer to lakhs of families ahead of the festival of lights. This decision is set to benefit nearly 15 lakh employees across the state.
The move, confirmed by the state finance department, continues the government’s tradition of rewarding its workforce during the festive period. This annual bonus serves as a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.
Who is Eligible for the Bonus?
The Diwali bonus has been sanctioned for all non-gazetted state government employees. This includes:
- Employees under Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ classifications.
- Work-charged employees in government offices.
- Staff of state-funded and aided educational and technical education institutions.
- Local bodies and district panchayat employees.
In total, approximately 14.82 lakh employees across Uttar Pradesh will be the beneficiaries of this festive bonanza. This wide-ranging eligibility ensures that a significant portion of the state’s administrative and support staff receives the benefit.
Bonus Payout and Calculation
The government has set the maximum bonus amount at ₹6,908 per employee for the financial year 2022-23. The payment will be disbursed in a specific ratio between cash and General Provident Fund (GPF) contributions.
- 75% of the bonus amount, which amounts to ₹5,181, will be credited to the employee’s GPF account.
- The remaining 25%, which is ₹1,727, will be paid out as cash, providing immediate liquidity to employees for their festive expenses.
For employees who are not part of the GPF scheme, the entire amount will be managed through their National Pension Scheme (NPS) account or through National Savings Certificates (NSCs).
Here is a simple breakdown of the bonus disbursement:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Bonus Amount (Per Employee) | ₹6,908 |
| Cash Component (25%) | ₹1,727 |
| GPF Contribution (75%) | ₹5,181 |
Financial Implications and Impact
This generous announcement comes with a significant financial implication for the state. The total expenditure for this bonus distribution is estimated to be ₹1,023 crore. This decision underscores the government’s commitment to employee welfare, even as it manages state finances. The infusion of over a thousand crores into the economy just before Diwali is also expected to boost market sentiment and drive consumer spending, providing a fillip to local businesses and traders during the festive rush. This timely announcement is a welcome move that will undoubtedly enhance the Diwali celebrations for countless government employees and their families across Uttar Pradesh.
