New Delhi, Oct. 23 -- As we firmly enter the festive season this year, government entities and private corporations are likely to announce Diwali bonus pay for employees. The Union Cabinet on 14 October approved productivity-linked bonus (PLB) of Rs.2,009 crore worth 78 days' wages for 11.4 lakh eligible non-gazetted railway employees.

For other salaried employees looking forward to receiving gifts and bonuses from their employers, the additional payout can help boost their savings, cover shopping expenses or add to their investment fund.

For those choosing to invest their Diwali bonus, we compare the returns you may get by allocating your money towards either the public provident fund (PPF), a systematic investment plan (SIP), or a ban...