With the rise in the prices of essential commodities, the Karnataka Government has increased the festival advance of its employees from Rs.10,000 to Rs.25,000.

The decision was taken following a demand from the Karnataka State Government Employees Association (KSGEA).

An order issued by the Finance Department said that all permanent government employees, including the IAS and KAS cadre, are eligible for availing of festival advance. An employee can obtain the advance, which is free of interest, once a year. The amount has to be repaid within 10 months in equal installments.