Diwali 2023 is scheduled for Sunday, November 12.
Bankers are poised to enjoy a more joyous Diwali this year, as several government-owned banks have declared a special bonus to help cover expenses related to the purchase and gifting of sweets, a customary practice during the festival.
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In anticipation of the upcoming festival of lights, the State Bank of India (SBI), the largest public sector lender in the country, has declared a bonus of Rs 2,500 for each of its employees.
As indicated in its 2023 annual report, the bank boasts a workforce exceeding two lakh employees.
Similarly, India’s second-largest public sector lender, Punjab National Bank (PNB) has given Rs 1,000 to each employee this Diwali.
Another PSB Union Bank of India has given Rs 1,500 each to its employees.
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Indian Overseas Bank is crediting Rs 2,000 to its workforce, while Rs 2,500 has been announced by Canara Bank to its staff.
“It was advised that an allocation of Rs.2,500/- per head has been done out of Welfare Funds for distribution of Sweets / Dry Fruits amongst all employees. As per the given instructions, distribution of Sweets/Dry Fruits has to be done just before Deepawali Festival, “said the SBI circular.
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SBI note added, “In this context, we advise that it has been decided by the Competent Authority, that a Greeting Card from Chairman has to be given to every Staff in the Circle/ CC/CC establishments along with Sweet/ Dry Fruit Hampers/Vouchers in a befitting manner.”
While announcing the bonus to over 1 lakh employees, PNB said, “We are delighted to share that in order to enhance the joy in the upcoming Deepawali celebration and express the unwavering dedication of our employees. It has been decided to distribute confectioneries (Sweets, dry fruits, chocolates, etc) worth Rs 1000 to each active employee of the bank.”
