NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Thursday gave its nod for the disbursement of productivity linked bonus equivalent to 78 days’ wages worth Rs 2,038.57 crores to more than 11.72 lakh non-gazetted railway employees.
“Productivity Linked Bonus for Railway employees of Rs 2,029 crore has been approved by the cabinet for the good performance of railways which will benefit 11,72,240 employees.The recruitment process for the vacancy of 58,642 is going on. I have put this number as the opposition tries to misguide people by using a very small number,” said Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during the announcement.
The bonus will disbursed among various categories of railway staff, including Track maintainers, Loco Pilots, Train Managers (Guards), Station Masters, Supervisors, Technicians, Technician Helpers, Pointsman, Ministerial staff and other Group ‘C’ staff.”
The maximum amount payable per eligible employee is Rs.17,951/- for the 78 days and it will be paid to the eligible railway employees before the Durga Puja/Dusshera holidays as per the annual traditions.
The productivity linked bonus serves as a motivational tool, encouraging railway employees to perform better and contribute to the overall improvement of the Railways, as per the official press release by the Cabinet.
The Railways’, with a record cargo loading of 1588 Million Tonnes and the transportation of nearly 6.7 Billion Passengers, performed well in the year 2023-2024, which can be attributed to several factors, including the record Capex infusion by the government in Railways, improved infrastructure, operational efficiency, and the implementation of better technology.