Patna, Dec 29 : The Bihar government Tuesday announced a bonanza for its 500,000 employees by deciding to adopt the pay-scales recommended by the Sixth Pay Commission.

The decision was taken at meeting of the state cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, at the famous tourist spot Rajgir, about 100 km from here, officials said.

"The state cabinet approved giving the Sixth Pay Commission pay-scale to government employees," they said.

The arrears will be paid effective from Jan 1, 2006.

The meeting also approved a Rs. 77.67 crore drainage scheme for Rajgir.

It was for the first time that the state cabinet held its meeting at Rajgir.

"The state cabinet meeting was held at the convention centre of the Shanti Stupa atop Gidhakuta Hills in Rajgir amid tight security," an official in the chief minister's office said here.

Rajgir is the home district of Nitish Kumar. In the last four years, he has announced various development projects in the district.

In February this year, Nitish Kumar held a cabinet meeting in Barbighee village of Begusarai district. (IANS)