Mumbai civic staff to get Rs 33,000 Diwali bonus, Mayor announces

Officers and employees of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will have a happy Diwali this year. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has announced that all officers and employees of the civic body will be given an ex gratia payment, or bonus, of Rs 33,000 this Diwali.

The decision was taken at a meeting held on Wednesday. Directions have been issued that the amount be paid along with the regular November salary of all employees.

A high-level meeting was called in the Mayor's chamber to discuss the Diwali ex gratia payment. Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi, Leader of the Opposition Kishori Pednekar, Leader of the House Ganesh Khankar and group leaders of various political parties were present. Standing Committee chairman Prabhakar Shinde, Education Committee chairperson Rajshri Shirwadkar, Joint Commissioner (Finance) Devidas Kshirsagar and Deputy Commissioner (General Administration) Kishor Gandhi also attended. Office-bearers of the coordination committee of the civic body's labour and employee unions were present as well.

Leaders of all parties, the administration and representatives of the labour unions held detailed discussions and took the decision unanimously.

Rainfall has been low in the state this year, creating drought-like conditions in many areas. In view of the serious situation, the Maharashtra government has declared drought in 300 talukas of the state as per the norms and has begun several relief measures. Keeping in mind the difficult conditions in the state and the social situation, the Rs 33,000 payment was approved by consensus so that civic employees could keep up the festive cheer.

Officers and employees of the Mumbai civic body work day and night to keep the city's cleaning, health, water supply and other civic services running. The decision has been taken in view of this exceptional contribution, so that they can celebrate Diwali with their families with enthusiasm and joy.

After the announcement of the ex gratia payment, there is a mood of celebration in the corridors of the civic body and among its workers. The decision is being welcomed from all quarters.