Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced a special Diwali bonus for lower-level government employees, kindergarten teachers, and Asha workers. The announcement came just minutes before the Election Commission revealed that Maharashtra will head to the polls on November 20, officially bringing the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) into effect.

As part of the festive season perks, the government declared a Diwali bonus of Rs 28,000 for all employees of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which is Rs 3,000 higher than the bonus provided last year.

Additionally, the government will credit Rs 3,000 directly into the bank accounts of eligible women beneficiaries under the Ladki Bahin Yojana Diwali Bonus 2024 scheme. This amount includes the 4th and 5th instalments of the program, released in advance as a Diwali bonus. The scheme benefits women with an annual family income below Rs 2.5 lakh, who receive monthly aid of Rs 1,500.

With elections approaching and the ruling Mahayuti alliance set to face off against the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), Chief Minister Shinde has ramped up welfare initiatives. The state government has introduced eight major welfare schemes this year, targeting women, the elderly, and the youth.

Among the recent announcements, Shinde declared that light motor vehicles entering Mumbai will no longer need to pay toll charges. Furthermore, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has withdrawn its proposed 10% fare hike, providing additional relief to commuters.