In a significant development, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) of Rs 1968.87 crores for railway employees. This bonus is equivalent to 78 days’ wages and is granted for the exceptional performance of eligible non-gazetted Railway employees during the financial year 2022-23.
The beneficiaries of this bonus include a wide range of Railway staff, from Track maintainers and Loco Pilots to Train Managers, Station Masters, Supervisors, Technicians, Technician Helpers, Pointsmen, Ministerial Staff, and other Group ‘C’ employees (excluding RPF/RPSF personnel). The decision to reward these employees reflects the Union Government’s appreciation for their excellent work, notably in a year where the Railways achieved remarkable milestones.
The year 2022-23 witnessed the Railways loading a record 1509 Million Tonnes of cargo and facilitating nearly 6.5 Billion passenger journeys. This stellar performance can be attributed to various factors, such as substantial government investment in railway infrastructure, operational efficiency, and the adoption of advanced technology.
The payment of PLB not only recognizes this outstanding performance but also serves as a motivating incentive for Railway employees to continue striving for further improvements in their operations. This move underscores the government’s commitment to acknowledging and rewarding the dedication and hard work of railway staff.