While private companies made headlines this Diwali by gifting cars and even flats to their staff, a forest guard in Madhya Pradesh highlighted a very different reality.
In a video that has drawn attention online, the forest department employee revealed that his festive allowance amounted to just Rs 640 — a 2 per cent Dearness Allowance (DA). He questioned how a family of five is expected to celebrate the festival with such a modest sum, especially when he is required to remain on duty on Diwali itself.
The Forest Guard’s Account
Content creator Bhupendra Sharma shared the video featuring the forest guard. In it, the man compares the benefits received by private-sector employees with what frontline government workers like him get.
He points out that some companies gifted cars or flats for Diwali. In contrast, forest guards received a 2 per cent DA increase, which comes to Rs 640. He explains that he used most of the amount to buy half a kilogram of kaju katli, leaving him with only Rs 40.
“What am I supposed to do with that?” he asks, adding that the promised DA increase has not even been fully received yet.
He further notes the practical difficulty: a family of five cannot buy enough sweets to celebrate properly with Rs 640.
No Leave on Diwali
The financial limitation is made harder by work requirements. According to the guard, forest personnel have been instructed not to seek leave around Diwali. They are expected to be on duty on the festival day itself.
This combination of a small festive allowance and compulsory holiday duty has struck a chord with many viewers, drawing attention to the modest benefits and service demands faced by frontline forest staff.
Quick Facts: MP Forest Guard Rs 640 Diwali Bonus 2026
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Who | Forest guard, Madhya Pradesh Forest Department |
| Amount Received | Rs 640 (described as 2% Dearness Allowance) |
| Family Size | Five members |
| How He Spent It | Bought half kg kaju katli; Rs 40 remaining |
| Duty Requirement | Required to work on Diwali; no leave around the festival |
| Shared By | Content creator Bhupendra Sharma (@the_bhupendra_sharma) |
| Core Issue | Modest festive benefits vs private-sector gifts; holiday duty |
| Date | November 2026 |
The video has brought focus to the gap between lavish corporate Diwali gifts and the limited festive support available to many government frontline workers. While the exact details of the DA payment and leave instructions were not independently verified beyond the video, the guard’s account has resonated with those who feel the disparity during the festive season.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you think festive bonuses for government frontline workers should be reviewed, or is this amount reasonable given overall pay structures? Share your views in the comments below!
