The Centre has cleared a Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for eligible Defence civilian employees of the Corps of EME for the accounting year 2024–25, according to an order issued by the Ministry of Defence on January 7, 2026.
As per the order, eligible employees will receive PLB equivalent to 22 days’ wages. The bonus has been sanctioned by the President and is based on the working results of the Corps of EME during the accounting year 2024–25, calculated as per the agreed formula under the long-standing PLB scheme.
Who is eligible for PLB bonus
The PLB will be paid to Group ‘B’ (Non-Gazetted) and Group ‘C’ civilian employees of the EME Directorate who are covered under the PLB scheme. The calculation ceiling remains unchanged at Rs 7,000, and the bonus will be worked out accordingly. All other terms and conditions of the scheme will continue as they are.
How PLB bonus to employees will be paid
The expenditure on the bonus will be met from the Defence Service Estimates under the respective budget heads for FY 2025–26, without any additional financial burden. The order has been issued with the concurrence of the Ministry of Finance and the Defence Finance authorities.
Why PLB announcements often come around Diwali
Traditionally, the Centre announces productivity-linked bonuses for employees of select government departments around Diwali, especially for Group C and non-gazetted Group B staff. The timing is meant to provide financial relief and add to festive cheer.
For instance, in a similar move ahead of Diwali, the Department of Posts had announced a 60-day PLB for its employees for FY 2024–25. That decision covered Group C, Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS), non-gazetted Group B employees, Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) and full-time casual labourers. Even employees who had retired, resigned, or moved on deputation after March 31, 2025 were made eligible, as per the department’s order.
Such PLB announcements follow a familiar pattern: departments with measurable productivity outcomes assess performance for the year and clear bonuses—often close to the festive season. While the latest Defence order has come after Diwali, it continues the same policy approach of rewarding eligible staff for their contribution during the year.
For Defence civilian employees of the Corps of EME, the 22-day PLB for 2024–25 now formalises that recognition, with payments to be made from the current financial year’s sanctioned budget.