The Indian government has approved a Diwali bonus worth ₹2,009 crore for railway employees, covering a 78-day period. This bonus comes as a significant financial boost ahead of the festive season, benefiting thousands of workers across the railway sector, according to livemint.com.
The bonus approval follows a decade-long tradition of rewarding railway employees during Diwali. The payment is calculated based on the employees’ wages and allowances for the specified 78 days. The Ministry of Railways sanctioned the amount to ensure timely disbursement before the festival, aiming to support the workforce financially during this period, livemint.com reported.
This bonus is part of a broader government effort to enhance employee welfare in public sector units. Compared to previous years, the ₹2,009 crore allocation reflects adjustments in wage structures and inflation considerations. The railway sector, being one of the largest employers in India, often sets a precedent for other government departments in terms of employee benefits and bonuses.
The payment schedule has been set to ensure that the bonus reaches the employees before Diwali, which falls on November 1 this year. The Ministry of Railways confirmed that the funds will be transferred directly to employees’ accounts, marking a timely financial uplift for the workforce during the festival season.