Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal on Monday announced that the Onam bonus for state government employees and teachers has been increased by ₹500 this year, taking it to ₹4,500.

The special festival allowance for employees not eligible for the bonus has also been raised from Rs 2,750 to Rs 3,000. Meanwhile, the service pensioners will receive an additional Rs 250, increasing their allowance to Rs 1,250. Pensioners who retired under the contributory pension scheme will also be entitled to the special festival allowance.

Meanwhile, all government employees will receive an advance of Rs 20,000, while other staff, including part-time and contingent employees, will get Rs 6,000. The contract and scheme workers who received festival allowances last year will see an increase of Rs 250 each.

Balagopal said the special Onam assistance will benefit over 13 lakh employees and workers across the state.