Anbumani Demands 30% Deepavali Bonus for Tamil Nadu Public Sector Workers

Anbumani Ramadoss has asked the Tamil Nadu government to immediately announce and disburse a 30% Deepavali bonus for workers in all State public sector undertakings, including temporary and outsourced employees.

The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president made the demand in a statement on October 15, 2026, saying the government was yet to announce the bonus even though Deepavali falls on November 8.

Demand for a uniform bonus rate

Mr. Anbumani said the maximum bonus had remained at 20% since 2004. Workers currently receive between ₹7,000 and ₹16,800, based on a prescribed wage ceiling, he said.

He argued that the amount was inadequate amid rising living costs and urged the government to provide a 30% bonus rate to workers across all public sector undertakings.

The proposed rate, he said, should apply irrespective of the financial position of the undertaking and the employee’s status as permanent, temporary or outsourced. This would extend the demand beyond permanent employees and cover workers employed under different arrangements in the State public sector.

Railway bonus cited

Mr. Anbumani cited the Union government’s announcement of a bonus equivalent to 78 days’ wages for railway employees. He said Tamil Nadu should not delay its decision further.

Source: The Hindu