The Odisha government has announced an increase in the cessation benefit for employees hired on an ad hoc basis. This decision comes ahead of the Rath Yatra festival. Previously, these employees were eligible for a one-time payment of Rs 1.5 lakh upon the end of their service. The government, under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has approved a proposal to raise this amount to Rs 2.5 lakh. This benefit applies to ad hoc employees whose service is terminated. Moreover, those who are regularized but have not completed five years of service will also receive Rs 2.5 lakh. Employees serving in regular positions for more than five years will be entitled to a minimum gratuity of Rs 2.5 lakh upon retirement. An additional provision has been made to increase this one-time gratuity by 10% every two years, with departments authorized to implement the hike independently.
