PCMC Employees to Get Sweeter Diwali, Ex-Gratia Hiked by Rs 5,000

• 8.33% customary bonus retained; five-year agreement brings greater financial certainty for employees

Pimpri : Diwali is set to bring additional cheer to employees of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), with the Standing Committee approving an increase of Rs 5,000 in the ex-gratia payment, taking it from Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000. The committee has also approved the continuation of the 8.33% customary bonus and paved the way for a five-year agreement covering the period from 2025-26 to 2029-30.

The decision, led by Standing Committee Chairman Abhishek Barne, is being viewed as a significant employee-friendly move. The proposal for a five-year agreement was placed before the committee by the Labour Welfare Board following a demand from the PCMC Employees Federation.

During the discussion, the Standing Committee not only approved the proposal for continuing the customary bonus and ex-gratia but also introduced a key amendment to increase the ex-gratia amount from Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000.

The proposal, along with the amendment, will now be forwarded to the General Body for final approval.

Benefit for more than 6,000 employees

The customary bonus and ex-gratia benefit is extended to officers and employees across the PCMC establishment, including personnel from the education and medical departments. Retired officers and employees are also covered under the benefit.

PCMC has more than 6,000 officers and employees. The civic body had spent around Rs 62 crore last year towards the Diwali bonus and related payments. With the increase in ex-gratia, the expenditure is expected to rise this year.

The five-year agreement is expected to provide greater clarity and financial certainty to employees, allowing them to plan their finances better instead of facing uncertainty over the continuation of the benefit every year.

Employee welfare gets priority

The decision reflects the Standing Committee’s focus on protecting employee benefits while recognising the contribution of the municipal workforce. Retaining the 8.33% customary bonus along with the proposed increase in ex-gratia will provide employees with additional financial support during the festive season.

The move under the leadership of Abhishek Barne is expected to strengthen employee confidence and ensure continuity of the benefit for the coming years.