New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS): The government on Wednesday said it was extending the existing productivity-linked reward scheme for port and dock employees.

"The cabinet meet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (Wednesday) gave its approval for extending the existing Productivity Linked Reward (PLR) Scheme for Port and Dock employees for payment of Productivity Linked Reward from the year 2014-15 to 2015-16," the ministry of shipping said.

"The payment of PLR would be made after adjusting the ad-hoc amount already paid for the year 2014-15," it added.

It also said that the expenditure on account of PLR shall be met by the major port trusts and dock labour boards from their own resources without any budgetary support from the government.

The move is expected to benefit about 44,000 major ports and dock employees and according to the ministry of shipping, it will help ensure a better industrial relationship and congenial work atmosphere in the port sector.