7th Pay Commission: How Much Are Tamil Nadu Govt Employees Getting Bonus As Pongal Gift?

7th Pay Commission: The Tamil Nadu government has unveiled a special Pongal bonus for its employees, teachers, pensioners, family pensioners, and former village administrative officers (VAOs) for the fiscal year 2023-2024, marking the celebration of the Tamil festival Pongal.

Key Highlights of Pongal Bonus:

Special Bonus for Employees and Teachers:

Group C and D employees and teachers are eligible for a maximum Pongal bonus of ₹3,000.

Bonus for Consolidated and Special Pay Employees:

Employees on consolidated pay or special time-scale salary, including full-time and part-time staff who have completed at least 240 days of service during 2023-2024, will receive a special bonus of ₹1,000.

Pongal Gift for Pensioners:

Pensioners, family pensioners, and former VAOs (including assistants and helpers) in Groups C and D will receive ₹500 as a Pongal gift.

How Much Has Tamil Nadu Govt Allocated For Bonus?

Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that the government has earmarked ₹163.81 crore for the Pongal bonus and special pay. This gesture underscores the state's commitment to its employees and pensioners, ensuring their participation in the festival's festivities.

Comparison with Last Year:

In the previous fiscal year (2022-2023), the Tamil Nadu government offered an ad hoc Pongal bonus equivalent to 30 days of emoluments, capped at ₹3,000, for regular and temporary government employees in Groups C and D. Additionally, a special ad hoc bonus of ₹1,000 was granted to full-time and part-time staff paid from contingencies or special pay scales.

Are Tamil Nadu Govt Employees' Happy With Pongal Bonus?

Tamil Nadu Government Employees Association leaders, Su. Tamilchelvi and Su. Jayaraj Rajeswaran, expressed gratitude for the government's gesture. They highlighted that the ₹3,000 goodwill amount for Group C and D employees and teachers, along with the ₹1,000 bonus for eligible consolidated pay and special time-scale employees, reflects the government's acknowledgment of their service.