India
oi-Swastika Sruti
In the latest development, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a 78-day Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for eligible railway employees ahead of the festive season. The decision is expected to benefit 11,40,770 railway workers across the country, with a total payout of ₹2,009.61 crore.
The Union Cabinet approved a 78-day Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for over 11.4 lakh eligible railway employees, allocating ₹2,009.61 crore for FY 2025-26, with the maximum payout set at ₹17,951 per worker.
Railway employees will receive the bonus in recognition of their contribution to the performance of Indian Railways during the financial year 2025-26. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the Cabinet decision, describing it as a reward for the workforce.
The maximum bonus payable to each eligible employee for 78 days is ₹17,951. The actual amount depends on the applicable bonus calculation rules. The payment is intended to provide financial support to railway workers and their families during the festive period.
Which Railway Employees Will Get The 78-Day Bonus?
The Productivity Linked Bonus will cover eligible non-gazetted railway employees working in different departments and roles.
The categories include:
- Track maintainers
- Loco pilots
- Train managers, commonly known as guards
- Station masters
- Supervisors
- Technicians and technician helpers
- Pointsmen
- Ministerial staff
- Other eligible Group C employees
The bonus is linked to railway performance and is intended to encourage employees to maintain and improve operational efficiency.
The government has allocated ₹2,009.61 crore for the payment, which will benefit more than 11.4 lakh railway employees. The maximum amount payable to an eligible employee is ₹17,951 for 78 days.
What Is Productivity Linked Bonus?
Productivity Linked Bonus is the annual bonus given to the employees of the railways in accordance with the scheme provided. This bonus is usually declared prior to the festive season of Durga Puja and Dussehra.
This is a reward for the services rendered by the staff of the railways in ensuring passenger travel, freight transport, and other related activities in the railways. The employees engaged in the operational and technical aspects make sure that the trains continue to function and move people and goods around the country.
Cabinet Approves ₹53,428 Crore For Social Assistance Programme
Other than the railway bonus, another decision of the Union Cabinet is that it has agreed on the continuation of the NSAP for the period of five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a budget estimate of ₹53,428 crore.
This program is meant for the social assistance of the eligible vulnerable segments of the population that include old people, widows, and disabled people. This program also includes the scheme of family benefit for the eligible household undergoing hardship.
It has been decided to make amendments in the name of this program and in certain conditions of this program such as the eligibilities, coverage and assistance rate in respect of disability pensions. The pension program for the old people and widows as well as family benefit scheme is to be continued as it is in its present form.
