Let the Diwali Lamp Shine in the Homes of Our Jawans Too! Why Are GRD-TRB Personnel Being Left Out of Bonus Benefits? Human Rights Federation raises the issue before the government

Gandhinagar, Gujarat | October 25, 2026: As Diwali lights up homes, brings smiles to faces and unites families in celebrations and the sharing of sweets, many personnel of Gujarat’s Gram Rakshak Dal (GRD) and Traffic Brigade (TRB) may find themselves putting duty ahead of their own celebrations. While people celebrate Diwali with their families, these personnel remain deployed on roads, regulating traffic, maintaining public order and helping safeguard citizens. But an important question deserves attention: If these personnel work to make everyone else’s Diwali safe, what will the government do to bring more happiness to their own homes?

Raising this sensitive issue, the Human Rights Federation has urged the Gujarat Government and senior state authorities to consider granting Diwali bonuses or special ex-gratia incentive assistance to honorary personnel of the GRD and TRB.

Representation Submitted to the Governor and Senior Police Authorities: According to the federation, its president, Mahendra Ailani, has sent a formal representation to the Governor of Gujarat, the Chief Secretary, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, the Director General of Police (DGP), police commissioners of major cities, and IGs/DIGs of various police ranges. The central objective of the representation is to ensure that GRD and TRB personnel, who assist the police in maintaining law and order, managing traffic and supporting security arrangements during festivals, also receive financial assistance before Diwali.

According to the federation, these personnel serve on limited honorariums and perform duties ranging from remote rural areas to busy urban intersections, regardless of scorching heat, torrential rain or biting cold. On many occasions, they are required to remain away from their families even during festivals to serve the public interest.

Praise for Public Servants in Political Speeches—But When Will Financial Relief Reach the Jawans?

Political party leaders, Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies and government representatives often publicly appreciate the dedication, service and commitment of personnel working for the public. However, when it comes to the welfare of GRD and TRB personnel, the federation argues that appreciation should be accompanied by concrete decisions that can provide practical financial relief to their families. Words of appreciation boost morale, but financial assistance during the festive season can bring tangible relief to a family’s household budget. The demand for bonuses or special assistance is not merely about financial benefits. It is also about recognising the service of these personnel, demonstrating a humane approach and acknowledging their contribution to public safety. This is not a question of supporting or opposing any political party. The central question is straightforward: what financial relief can be provided during the festive season to those who help maintain public order and safety? If Government Employees Receive Benefits, Should Special Assistance for Honorary Personnel Also Be Considered?

In its representation, the federation has referred to the Diwali bonuses and other benefits provided to government employees and employees of boards and corporations, urging the government to consider special assistance for GRD and TRB personnel as well. However, the service conditions of honorary personnel may differ from those of regular government employees. Therefore, it should not automatically be assumed that benefits available to all Class IV employees are legally applicable to GRD and TRB personnel.

Instead, the government should consider an appropriate policy decision after taking into account the nature of their service and their financial circumstances. The federation has called for a provision for Diwali bonuses or ex-gratia assistance, with the amount transferred directly into the personnel’s bank accounts so that they can benefit before the festival.

The Ball Is Now in the Government’s Court: The Human Rights Federation has appealed to the state’s constitutional head and administrative authorities to consider the matter sensitively and take a positive decision in the interest of these personnel. It remains to be seen whether the Gujarat Government will announce any policy decision concerning Diwali bonuses or special incentive assistance for GRD and TRB personnel. The true spirit of Diwali will shine brighter when the homes of those who put their own celebrations aside to protect society are also filled with happiness and light. The personnel who stand on roads to make other people’s journeys safer and easier deserve consideration for their own families as well. The government’s response to this appeal will therefore be worth watching.