Tripura Government as a puja bonanza hiked the Festival Advance for all categories of permanent employees and DRW staff to Rs. 20,000, said Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma, who also holds the Finance Portfolio.
“As a one-time measure, the State Government has decided to enhance festival advance to Rs. 20,000 (from existing rate of Rs. 6000 for Group A, Rs. 5500 for Group B and Rs. 5000 for Group C & D) for all categories of permanent employees and DRWs who have been engaged with approval of Finance Department,” said the Deputy Chief Minister Monday.
He said the decision has been taken to give a boost to the State Economy and give more purchasing power in the hands of state government employees.
“They all can draw festival advance of upto Rs 20,000 during this financial year. This is an increase of advance to almost four times from the previous year,” he said.
The State Government has also revised the festival grant from existing Rs.1000 to Rs. 1200 for selected categories of employees who are not eligible for Festival Advance– PTW or similar categories of employees who have been engaged with prior concurrence of Finance Department, Anganwadi Workers/ Helpers and Home Guards would get the benefit, the Finance Minister told the media.
“Despite having financial constraints, the implementation of this announcement will put in an additional amount of Rs.186.64 crore in the pockets of the state government employees. This will give boost to state economy, generate business and thereby bring money in the pockets of workers. This decision, once more shows strong commitment of State government to the employee welfare and economic development of the State,” he pointed out.
In the meantime, to relieve their hardships in view of the COVID19 pandemic and the nationwide lockdown during the last financial year, the State Government has also allowed cash equivalent of LTC fare to the entitled employees, in lieu of one LTC. State Government employees have availed the benefit.
