The Odisha government has decided to increase the cessation benefit for employees appointed on an ad hoc basis. The announcement was made in anticipation of the Rath Yatra. The earlier provision offered a one-time payment of Rs 1.5 lakh. This has now been increased to Rs 2.5 lakh, following approval by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. This revised benefit is applicable to ad hoc employees whose service is terminated. Furthermore, ad hoc employees who have been regularized but have not completed five years of service will also receive Rs 2.5 lakh. Employees who have served more than five years in a regular position will get a minimum gratuity of Rs 2.5 lakh upon retirement. The government has also authorized a 10% increase in this one-time gratuity every two years, with departments able to implement the changes independently.
