Bhubaneswar, Sept 24: In a move to facilitate festive preparations for Durga Puja, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Wednesday directed that the salaries of all state government employees for the month of September be disbursed early—on September 26.
According to an official release from the Chief Minister’s Office, this decision was taken keeping in mind the upcoming Durga Puja holidays, which begin from September 27.
Traditionally, government employees receive their salaries on the last working day of the month. However, with the state offices set to remain closed from the 27th for the festive season, the early disbursement will allow employees to make necessary purchases and preparations in advance.
CM Majhi acknowledged that during Durga Puja and Dussehra, people tend to spend more on essential goods, household items, and festive shopping.
Adding to the festivities, the Central government has also rolled out the GST 2.0 with Next-Generation reforms. It simplifies India's tax structure to three slabs: 5% (essentials), 18% (standard), and 40% (luxury/sin goods). This reform, reducing overall tax rates, makes many items cheaper.
Taking these factors into account, CM Majhi issued a directive to ensure that all government employees receive their September salaries by September 26.
