Vaikom: Employees working on deputation at the Kerala Beverages Corporation will not receive Onam bonus, even though the government has announced a record payout for permanent staff. The reason lies in the agreement signed at the time of their transfer from parent organisations.

Currently, around 200 employees from public sector enterprises are on deputation across Bevco outlets. Their deputation term is set for 5 years. Since they joined with no-objection certificates from their parent organisations, they will not be eligible for bonus from there either.

Deputation staff are required to perform the same duties as permanent employees and meet financial obligations, yet their contracts explicitly deny them a bonus.

Deputation employees argue that the Bonus Act provides a right to benefits if a worker serves in the same department for a year. They believe denying them a bonus is unfair, particularly when they shoulder equal responsibilities alongside regular staff.

Meanwhile, the government has declared a bonus of ₹1.02 lakh for permanent employees of Bevco. Cleaning and employment staff at outlets and headquarters will get ₹6,000, while security personnel at the head office and warehouses will be paid ₹12,500.

Beverages Corporation Managing Director Harshita Attaluri explained that the denial is a result of the contract system. She said the issue would be reconsidered next year.