<h1>Government raises Onam bonuses and festival allowances for 13 lakh+ staff and pensioners; general bonus up Rs 500</h1> A state government has raised Onam bonuses and festival allowances for over 13 lakh employees, teachers, pensioners and various workers: the general bonus is increased by Rs 500 to Rs 4,500; non-eligible staff will receive a special payment of Rs 3,000 (up from Rs 2,750); service pensioners get Rs 1,250 (up Rs 250). All government staff will be eligible for a Rs 20,000 Onam advance; part-time and contingent workers Rs 6,000; contract/scheme workers receive an additional Rs 250. Payments for specified groups range from Rs 1,250 to Rs 1,550, with several categories set at Rs 1,450-1,460. The increase was adopted despite stated fiscal strain.