New Delhi : In a noteworthy development, the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its nod for a generous Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) equivalent to 78 days’ wages for eligible non-gazetted Railway employees. This bonus is allocated for the fiscal year 2022-2023 and is poised to bring substantial benefits to a diverse group of railway personnel, including but not limited to Track maintainers, Loco Pilots, Train Managers (Guards), Station Masters, Supervisors, Technicians, Technician Helpers, Points men, Ministerial Staff, and other Group ‘C’ staff. However, it is important to note that Railway Protection Force (RPF)/ Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) personnel are excluded from this bonus, as clarified in the official press release from the Cabinet.
This landmark decision is a recognition of the remarkable performance demonstrated by railway employees throughout the financial year 2022-2023. The Union Government has earmarked an impressive PLB amounting to Rs 1,968.87 crores, which will be disbursed among approximately 1,107,346 dedicated railway employees, as articulated in the official press release.
The PLB is a direct consequence of the outstanding achievements of the Indian Railways during the aforementioned fiscal year. The Indian Railways marked numerous milestones, including the record-breaking loading of 1509 million tonnes of cargo and the successful transportation of nearly 6.5 billion passengers. This outstanding performance can be attributed to a combination of factors, including substantial infrastructure enhancements resulting from substantial government investments in rail capital expenditure (Capex), improved operational efficiency, and the integration of advanced technologies, among other notable contributions.
The disbursement of the PLB serves not only as an acknowledgment of these remarkable accomplishments but also as a motivating incentive for railway employees to persist in their dedicated efforts aimed at further enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of the Indian Railways, as emphasized in the official press release.
This bonus firmly underscores the Union Government’s unwavering commitment to energizing the workforce and fostering excellence within the realm of railway operations.
Importantly, as the railway sector continues to play a pivotal role in India’s transportation and logistics landscape, this bonus signifies the government’s deep appreciation for the unwavering commitment and dedication of railway employees, who play a crucial role in advancing the nation’s infrastructure and mobility.
The close connection between these developments and the 2023-2024 elections is hard to ignore. It appears that these initiatives are primarily driven by political motives, as they conveniently align with the government’s promises to champion the welfare and aspirations of the people, all in the name of securing votes and winning the election. This seems more like a calculated move to manipulate public sentiment and ensure electoral success rather than a genuine commitment to improving the lives of citizens
