Thiruvananthapuram: Despite a financial crunch at the central level, Kerala's government expenditure during the Onam festival exceeded ₹20,000 crore, said Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal.

Speaking to the media about the state’s festive interventions, the minister noted that two months' worth of welfare pensions had been distributed two weeks ahead of Onam. Over six lakh people received Onam kits containing 15 essential items.

The festival allowance for scheme workers was increased by ₹250. ASHA workers, along with Anganwadi and Balawadi helpers and nannies, received an allowance of ₹1,450. Pre-primary teachers and nannies were given ₹1,350, while midday meal workers received ₹1,550. Additionally, about 5.5 lakh workers under the employment guarantee scheme were given ₹1,200 each.

A total of 13,885 workers from 425 closed cashew factories were provided with ₹2,250 each as relief, along with rice worth ₹250. Another 2,149 workers from closed plantations received ₹1,000 gift coupons to purchase Onam kits from Supplyco.

Lottery agents and sellers were granted a festival allowance of ₹7,500 each, while pensioners received ₹2,750. The festival allowance for both government employees and pensioners was also increased.

Finance Minister Balagopal added that ₹262 crore was allocated for Supplyco’s market intervention to help stabilise prices during the festival season.