Maharashtra: CM intervenes, ensures Rs 18k Diwali bonus for Thane corporation staff

THANE: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) employees will get an ex gratia payment of Rs 18,000 ahead of the Diwali festival following intervention by Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, officials said, following a late Thursday evening meeting.
The decision was taken after Shinde mediated on behalf of the workers in the meeting with municipal commissioner and administrator Abhijit Bangar Thursday late evening.
The fact that civic employees didn't get increased bonus for the last two years was discussed following which Shinde ensured the bonus amount was raised to Rs 18,000, a statement from the corporation said.
The payment will benefit over 8,000 employees in addition to those from the transport undertaking and also the contract staff, officials said.
The payment is likely to be handed over before the festival season, Bangar said, adding, the monthly salary will also be released by October 20 considering the festive season.
The payment will strain the civic treasury with an additional expense of around Rs 14 crore, officials said.