Thiruvananthapuram | The Keralam government has doubled the Onam special allowance for police personnel from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 following a request from the state police chief, officials said on Thursday.

According to an order issued by the Home Department, the State Police Chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar had sought an increase in the special allowance for police personnel on duty during the Onam holidays from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000.

"Considering the service rendered by police officers for public safety, orders are issued increasing the special allowance for police officers engaged in duty on Onam holidays from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000," the order said.

Police sources said only personnel deployed on duty during the Onam holidays would be eligible for the allowance.

The department estimates that around 20,000 police personnel will be deployed at police stations, special units and camps during the Onam holidays next week, officials said.

Onam will be celebrated in Keralam on August 26.