The Centre has approved a performance-linked bonus for more than 11 lakh railway employees ahead of Diwali, with a total outlay of ₹ 2,009 crore.
Separately, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced advance financial assistance of ₹ 5,000 for drought-affected farmers ahead of Diwali, with around 1.25 crore farmers expected to benefit from the measure.
The intended beneficiaries include senior citizens, widows and persons with disabilities, who often depend on government assistance for financial security. The Cabinet’s approval of a performance-linked bonus will benefit more than 11 lakh railway employees ahead of the festive season. The government has earmarked ₹ 2,009 crore for the payment. In another major decision, the Cabinet approved the expansion of the social security net for vulnerable sections of society until 2031, with a total outlay of ₹ 53,000 crore. The expanded coverage is expected to take the total number of beneficiaries to 3.2 crore.
The Cabinet also approved the strategic restructuring of IDBI Bank, with the move expected to have implications for the institution’s role in supporting the MSME sector.
