Yogi Government Approves 30-Day Bonus Payment for Government Employees Ahead of Diwali

In anticipation of the Diwali festival, the Gujarat state government has provided a significant gift to its employees. A 3% increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) has been approved for 9.69 lakh employees and pensioners of the state.

This decision comes against the backdrop of a recent announcement by the federal government regarding a 3% increase in the Dearness Allowance for all its employees and pensioners. The DA hike set by the state government will take effect from July 1st. Following this, the DA for Gujarat employees will increase to 63% and will be disbursed with the July salary.

A representative of the state government, Minister Jithubhai Waghaani, announced the decision at the cabinet meeting. He clarified that the decision to increase the DA by 3% in line with the federal government was made for the state's employees. This DA increase will become effective from July 1, 2026.

More than 9.69 lakh families will directly benefit from this decision, including 4.62 lakh employees of government services, municipal services, and other institutions benefiting from the sixth and seventh pay commissions, as well as approximately 5.07 lakh pensioners.

To make the celebration even more joyous, the difference for four months, from July 2026 to October 2026, will be paid out in a lump sum. This amount for the past periods will be credited to the accounts of employees and pensioners along with the November 2026 salary. The state government will pay employees 523 crore rupees as compensation for the four months.

Furthermore, the DA increase will result in an additional annual financial burden on the state government amounting to 1569 crore rupees. The government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, affirms its commitment to the happiness of workers who daily serve the cause of good governance and to increasing joy during their festivals.

Good news was announced for thousands of employees of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) ahead of the Diwali festival. Mayor Rita Tawde announced a bonus payment of Rs 33,000 for qualified officials and workers for 2026. Last year, employees received a bonus of Rs 31,000, which has increased by Rs 2,000 for the current year. This will provide financial support to employees and their families before the festival.

The Mayor instructed the administration to disburse the bonus amount along with regular salaries in November. This decision was made following a meeting held at the BMC headquarters. Representatives from various political parties, administrative officials, and delegates from workers' trade unions participated in this meeting. All parties discussed the issue of determining the bonus amount.

The decision by the Mumbai Municipality will benefit a total of 93,509 officials, employees, and qualified workers. Among them are employees working under the standard municipal pay scales. Additionally, teachers in aided schools and non-teaching staff will receive the bonus.

Furthermore, the municipality will provide funds for qualified volunteers in public health and kindergarten teachers for Bhau Beej. Thus, thanks to the bonus and the Bhau Beej amount, workers of different categories will receive financial assistance on the occasion of the festival.

According to Mayor Rita Tawde, factors such as lack of rainfall and drought in several districts of Maharashtra were also taken into account when determining the bonus amount. After discussing the demands of the trade unions and economic conditions, an agreement was reached to pay a bonus of Rs 33,000. Last year, the bonus was Rs 31,000, while this year it has been increased to Rs 33,000. Since instructions have been given to pay the bonus along with the regular salary in November, it is expected that qualified workers will receive this benefit before Diwali. The municipality's decision will provide additional financial aid to thousands of families in preparation for the festival.

The state government has made an important decision by announcing an increase in the inflation allowance for central employees. For a long time, central workers have been expecting the government to grant them a salary indexation increase for the Diwali holiday.

Just before Diwali, the Cabinet approved an increase in the inflation allowance, providing a significant gift to civil servants. An increase of 3 percent in the inflation allowance was approved for employees of the central government. Consequently, the inflation allowance for these workers increased by 3 percent, reaching 63 percent.

This increase in the inflation allowance applies to July. As a result of this increase, the salaries of central employees will increase in October. The total government expenditure related to this will amount to 10,016 crore rupees.