PMK Leader Questions Tamil Nadu Government Over Delay In Announcing Diwali Bonus For Public Sector Workers

Pattali Makkal Katchi leader Anbumani Ramadoss has questioned the Tamil Nadu government over the delay in announcing Diwali bonuses for public sector workers, with the festival just three weeks away. Diwali is scheduled to be celebrated across the country on November 8, 2026.

Bonus Demands And History

Tamil Nadu government employees traditionally receive an advance, while public sector workers in transport corporations and the electricity board receive both an advance and a bonus. Usually, talks are held between management and trade unions a month before the festival to decide bonus amounts, but recent years have seen the government make direct announcements. C and D category workers in the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, transport corporations, Civil Supplies Corporation, and Aavin typically receive a 20 percent bonus, while other public sector firms receive between 8.33 and 10 percent based on their financial standing. Maximum bonuses have remained capped at 20 percent since 2004, calculated using a wage ceiling that yields between 7,000 and 16,800 rupees. The PMK is demanding a 30 percent bonus amounting to 25,210 rupees for all permanent, temporary, and outsourcing workers without discrimination.

Context

Public sector workers and their families require adequate festival advances and bonuses well in advance to purchase new clothes and prepare for celebrations. While the central government has already announced a 78-day wage bonus for 11.40 lakh railway employees, state public sector workers await formal announcements.