Navi Mumbai civic body approves Rs 45,000 Diwali ex gratia for employees
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation general body unanimously cleared a uniform Rs 45,000 Diwali ex gratia for officers, staff, teachers and ASHA workers.
With Diwali only days away, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has brought good news for its officers and employees. The corporation's general body unanimously approved a proposal to pay a uniform ex gratia (bonus) of Rs 45,000 this Diwali to all officers, employees, teachers and ASHA workers. The decision will sweeten Diwali for thousands of civic employees.
After the proceedings began, Leader of the House Sagar Naik moved the proposal before the House. He said the union had demanded Rs 43,000, but to help employees celebrate Diwali better, the amount was raised straight to Rs 45,000 under the guidance of Minister Ganesh Naik.
Last year, an ex gratia of about Rs 34,500 was paid, while ASHA workers received Rs 18,500. This time ASHA workers have also been brought up to Rs 45,000. The decision is being welcomed from all quarters.
About 5,121 employees of the corporation will benefit directly. The decision will place an additional burden of about Rs 23 crore on the corporation's finances, and funds will have to be reallocated within the budget. Action to absorb the employees of the 14 newly included villages is under way, so their numbers will be added as well.
Corporator Ravindra Ithape said that by paying the same amount to contract, contractual and temporary employees too, the Navi Mumbai corporation has set a new example in the state. He recalled that the amount was Rs 23,500 in 2019 and has now reached Rs 45,000.
Mayor Sujata Patil thanked all the members and Minister Ganesh Naik, and formally announced that the proposal had been approved unanimously.
