New Delhi: The Central Government yesterday announced a bonus for about 12 lakh non-gazetted railway employees, which is to be paid ahead of the impending festive season. The Union Cabinet approved the payment of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) equivalent to 78 days wages to eligible non-gazetted railway employees for the financial year 2016-17.

However, this does not include Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) personnel.

“According to the formula, it was calculated to be given for 72 days but for the past six years it has been a tradition of giving them the bonus for 78 days, so the Cabinet has approved a 78-day PLB for them,” Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said.

About 12.30 lakh non-gazetted Railway employees are likely to benefit from the decision and the payment would be made before Dasara/Puja holidays, a statement from the  Government said.

The payment of PLB would serve as an incentive, and result in motivating a large number of Railway employees, particularly those involved in execution and operations of Railways, to improve their productivity and ensure safety, speed and service for Railway customers,   the statement added.