The government gave a big gift to railway employees before Diwali, approving a bonus of Rs 1,866 crore..

The government has given a major gift to railway employees. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directive, the central government has approved a Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) of ₹1,866 crore. This decision was made at a cabinet meeting held on Wednesday. This bonus, equivalent to 78 days' salary, will be distributed to over 10.90 lakh railway employees across the country. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav stated that this year's bonus will be awarded to employees based on their hard work and productivity. This will provide employees with cash benefits that will strengthen their financial situation during the festive season.

Who will receive how much bonus?
According to a government statement, this bonus will be given to approximately 10.90 lakh railway employees. All railway employees working in various positions include track maintainers, loco pilots, train managers (guards), station masters, supervisors, technicians, technician helpers, pointsmen, ministerial staff, and other Group C and D employees. This year, employees will receive a bonus equivalent to a maximum of 78 days' salary, with an upper limit of ₹17,951 per employee. This bonus has been approved at a time when the festive season is about to begin in the country, and retailers are also expecting good sales due to the recent reduction in GST rates on many items. This bonus will provide financial strength to railway employees.

Railway Unions Demand Bonus Increase
While this bonus is good news for employees, railway employees' unions are still discussing certain demands with the government. Major unions such as the Indian Railway Employees Federation (IREF) and the All India Railway Employees Federation (AIRF) have demanded an increase in bonuses and the issuance of a gazette notification establishing the Eighth Pay Commission.

IREF National General Secretary Sarvjeet Singh explained that the bonus is currently being paid based on the Sixth Pay Commission's minimum salary of ₹7,000, while the Seventh Pay Commission's minimum salary is ₹18,000. He called it “grossly unjust.” Similarly, the AIRF is demanding that the monthly limit of ₹7,000 be removed from the calculation of bonuses and that they be increased in line with the current pay structure.

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