Railway staff to get 78-day bonus linked to productivity

The Cabinet on Wednesday approved payment of productivity-linked bonus equivalent to 78 days’ wages to eligible non-gazetted railway employees for the financial year 2016-17.

The financial implication of payment of 78 days’ PLB to railway employees has been estimated to be ₹2,245.45 crore.

“The payment 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,” a government press statement said.

About 12.30 lakh non-gazetted railway employees are likely to benefit from the decision. The payment will be made before Dussehra/Puja holidays.

CENTRE TO EXIT THREE ITDC HOTELS

The Centre on Wednesday decided to exit three ITDC hotels, including Jaipur Ashok, and hand them over to the state governments concerned.

The cabinet committee on economic affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the transfer of India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (ITDC) hotels Jaipur Ashok and Lalitha Mahal Palace Mysore to the governments of Rajasthan and Karnataka. It also cleared disinvestment of ITDC’s 51% equity in Donyi Polo Ashok, Itanagar, in favour of Arunachal Pradesh.

KHELO INDIA TO FOCUS ON ALL-ROUND GROWTH

Sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Wednesday said the Khelo India initiative, which focussed on infrastructure development till now, will look to ensure all-round growth in its revamped form. The government has approved ₹1,756 crore for a period of three years for the revamp.

“A holistic approach has to be taken and there will be a seamless network which will enable a pathway from schools to Olympics,” Rathore said after a cabinet meeting.