Jaipur: It was supposed to be a bumper Diwali for thousands of employees in Rajasthan’s three power distribution companies and the state roadways transport corporation but just two days before the festival all dreams turned into despair.
Two weeks ago, these employees were beaming with joy when the state government not just announced bonus before Diwali but also doubled the amount to Rs 7,000, at par with central government employees. However, just two days before Diwali, the bonus order came with a shocking rider.
Playing a cruel joke on the employees who have been eagerly waiting for annual Diwali bonus, in the order they were asked to forgo the bonus considering poor financial condition of the power companies. Although, the order made it look like a request.
“Looking into the background of heavy losses being suffered by the power companies, an option may be given to the employees to whom ex-gratia is being allowed, to forgo the same if he/she so desires willingly/happily in the interest of the power companies,” said the order issued by Jaipur Discom’s chief accounts officer.
As the news spread about the offer, employees were taken aback and asked if any senior level official had set an example by following such an order.
According to them poor financial condition is not new but never ever a senior officer offered to forgo his bonus.
“We are still to get our bonus. Has any officer offered similar gesture before,” an employee asked. However, Jaipur Discom employees can take consolation as they have been requested to forgo the bonus while they still get their monthly salary regularly but their peers in state roadways corporation have been forced to observe the festival of light as “black Diwali” because forget bonus even the salary of October would be released next month.
After the finance department rejected Roadways authorities’ request to release Rs 14 crore for bonus, the managing director Rajesh Yadav said that the roadways was not in condition to give bonus to 17,000 employees. Further rubbing salt on their wounds the roadways employees have been told that they would get October salary in November.
