Finance Ministry’s Position on States’ Bonus Policy

13-Apr-2026 03:37 PM

New Delhi: The Union Finance Ministry has clarified its stance regarding the bonus policy of states. In an official communication, the ministry stated that on January 9, 2026, a DO letter was sent to the Chief Secretaries of states, urging them to design their bonus policies in a way that encourages higher production of pulses, oilseeds, and coarse grains.

The ministry emphasized that this suggestion is important from the perspective of nutritional security, achieving self-reliance in production, and ensuring sustained agricultural growth. It described the communication as constructive and positive in nature.

Further, the Finance Ministry made it clear that the DO letter sent to state governments is not a binding directive, but merely an advisory. Its objective is to strengthen the country’s long-term food and crop security.

The central government is actively working to boost the production of pulses and oilseeds and has urged states to focus more on promoting these crops. This is aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on imports of pulses and edible oils.