The Tamil Nadu Government today announced 20 per cent Diwali bonus to employees of the State Electricity Board (TNEB) this year.

Electricity Minister Arcot N Veerasamy speaking about this issue said the bonus amount would vary between Rs 1,500 and Rs 8,500.

Initially trade unions demanded 25 per cent bonus, later considering with the current situation, decision was taken to provide 20 per cent bonus to them, the proposal was welcomed by the unions.

The bonus amount would be offered in the next five days to around 66,000-odd employees, where the temporary workers would take Rs 1,500 as bonus.

Mr Veerasamy said this would entail an expenditure of Rs 58.50 crore to the government.

Announcement was also made that 5,516 temporary workers would be made permanent employees by 2011.