As the festive season approaches, the Central Government has unveiled its Diwali bonus for employees. The government has announced a Diwali bonus of up to Rs 7,000 for Group C and Non-Gazetted Group B rank officers of paramilitary forces. This bonus is performance-based and is available to all eligible Central Government employees, including Group C employees and non-gazetted Group B employees not covered under any Productivity Linked Bonus Scheme. The bonus for eligible employees in central paramilitary forces and armed forces is also confirmed.
Key Details for Eligible Central Government Employees
To be eligible for the bonus, a government employee must have been in service by March 31, 2023, and worked continuously for a minimum of six months in the fiscal year 2022-23. The Expenditure Department has clarified that eligible employees will receive a bonus proportionate to their period of service during the year, ranging from six months to the entire year.
Diwali Bonus for Casual Employees in Government Offices
Casual employees working in government offices will also receive a bonus, with a maximum limit of Rs 1,200. This bonus is sanctioned in anticipation of the Diwali festival, which traditionally witnesses increased consumer spending.
Additionally, there are reports of a potential 4% increase in dearness allowance (DA) effective from July 1, 2023. This increase, if realized, would bring the dearness allowance to 46%, surpassing the earlier expected 3% increase.
