LUCKNOW, Oct. 14 -- The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday announced a Diwali bonanza for its employees, approving an ad hoc bonus for the financial year 2024-25 payable to non-gazetted employees, staff of aided educational and technical institutions, district panchayats, daily wagers, and work-charged employees.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has approved the major festive gift that will benefit nearly 14.82 lakh employees and cost an additional burden of Rs.1,022 crore to the state exchequer.

"The decision symbolises the state government's appreciation for the dedication and hard work of its workforce," according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.

A government order issued by additional chief secretary (finance) Deepak Kuma...