Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa today announced Deepavali bonus of Rs 476.71 crores to 3.67 lakh employees of the State Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

In a statement here, she said employees of profit making companies will be given 20 per cent bonus (8.33 per cent bonus and 11.67 per cent ex-gratia). Staff members of loss making units will get 10 per cent bonus. The Chief Minister said the employees of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, State-owned Transport Corporations and Civil Supplies Corporation will get 20 per cent bonus.

Listing out bonus details of various sections of employees, she said contract employees of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board will get Rs. 4,000, while the contract staff of Civil Supplies Corporation will get Rs. 3,000. She said relaxing the ceiling, she has ordered to give bonus to all C and D group employees.

Observing that government workers were the backbone for a nation’s economic development, she said their growth would only usher in all round prosperity of the nation. The hard labour of the workforce was essential in increasing yield, the Chief Minister said, adding, “in recognition of their contribution, I have ordered payment of bonus and ex-gratia to those working in various PSUs for this Deepavali which will give them greater enthusiasm”. Last year too, she announced a 20 per cent festival bonus for employees of State public sector units.

In an official release, the Chief Minister announced bonus and ex-gratia for employees of Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd, state transport undertakings, Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation, cooperative unions, Poompuhar Shipping Corporation and other organisations.