Maharashtra announces Diwali bonus for government staff minutes before poll dates

The Maharashtra government announced a Diwali Bonus of Rs 28,000 for all the employees of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

In Short

• Diwali bonuses announced for kindergarten teachers, Asha workers also
• Bonus of Rs 28,000 for all employees of Mumbai's civic body
• Maharashtra goes to polls on November 20

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday announced a Diwali bonus for lower rung government employees, kindergarten teachers and Asha workers. The development came minutes before the Election Commission announced that Maharashtra would go to the polls on November 20, thereby kicking in the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

The government announced a Diwali Bonus of Rs 28,000 for all the employees of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This is Rs 3,000 more than the bonus announced last year.

The government also said it would credit Rs 3,000, which includes the 4th and 5th instalments, directly into the bank accounts of eligible women beneficiaries as per the Ladki Bahin Yojana Diwali Bonus 2024 program. As a Diwali bonus, the instalments will be released in advance.

Under the scheme, women with an annual family income of less than Rs 2.5 lakh receive Rs 1,500 in monthly aid.

Ahead of the elections, where the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are locked in a fierce contest, Eknath Shinde has gone on a welfare scheme announcement spree.

The government has unveiled eight major welfare schemes this year targeting women, the elderly and the youth. Shinde's basket of goodies for people includes three free LPG refills per year, free pilgrimages for senior citizens and free professional education for women from weaker sections.

On Monday, the Chief Minister announced that light motor vehicles entering Mumbai would no longer need to pay any toll. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has also cancelled the proposed 10 per cent fare hike.

The elections will be crucial for the Mahayuti alliance following the drubbing in this year's Lok Sabha election, where the MVA won 31 out of the 48 parliamentary seats in the state.