Onam 2026: Central government employees, pensioners in Kerala to receive August salary and pension on August 24

The Ministry of Finance has approved the advance disbursement of August 2026 salary, wages and pension for Central Government employees and pensioners in Kerala ahead of the Onam festival.

According to an Office Memorandum issued by the Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance on August 3, 2026, Central Government offices in Kerala will be allowed to draw and disburse employees' salaries for August on August 24, 2026 (Monday).

The advance payment will also apply to industrial employees of the Central Government serving in Kerala, whose August wages will be released on the same date.

Pensioners in Kerala to receive August pension early

The order also covers Central Government pensioners in Kerala. Banks and Pay and Accounts Offices (PAOs) have been instructed to disburse the August 2026 pension on August 24.

The move is expected to help employees and pensioners manage festival-related expenses ahead of Onam.

Advance payment, not an additional salary or pension

The Ministry of Finance clarified that the salary, wages and pension released on August 24 will be treated as an advance payment.

Any adjustment required after the final calculation of the full month's salary, wages or pension will be made from the August 2026 payment, according to the order.

Who will benefit from the decision?

• Central Government employees working in Kerala

• Industrial employees of the Central Government in Kerala

• Central Government pensioners residing in Kerala

The instructions have been issued to all Central Government ministries and departments for necessary action. The Reserve Bank of India has also been requested to inform paying branches of banks located in Kerala about the arrangement.

Why is the payment being advanced?

The decision has been taken in view of the Onam festival, allowing beneficiaries to receive their monthly income before the festival period.

For employees and pensioners, an earlier credit can provide additional flexibility for household spending, travel, shopping and other festival-related expenses.