Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has announced a ₹200 increase in the Onam allowance for workers under the rural and urban employment guarantee schemes, bringing the total to ₹1,200. This enhancement will benefit over 5.25 lakh workers across the state.
Details of the allowance increase
Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal confirmed that the Onam allowance for workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has been raised from ₹1,000 to ₹1,200. A total of ₹51.96 crore has been allocated for the distribution of these allowances. The beneficiaries include 5,19,623 workers who completed 100 days of work in the previous financial year.
Additionally, workers under the Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme, who also completed at least 100 working days in the past year, will receive the same allowance. For this, ₹63.68 lakh has been earmarked.
Significance of the increase
This increase in the Onam allowance is part of the Kerala government’s efforts to provide additional support to its workforce during the festive season. The move is expected to uplift the morale of workers and contribute to the overall economic activity during Onam.
Conclusion
The Kerala government’s decision to raise the Onam allowance for rural and urban employment guarantee scheme workers underscores its commitment to supporting the state’s workforce. With the festive season approaching, this initiative aims to bring festive cheer and financial relief to thousands of workers across Kerala