Web Desk
On October 3, 2024, the Indian government approved a Rs 2,029 crore bonus for over 1.2 million railway employees ahead of the festive season. This Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) is set to be distributed before major Indian festivals, including Diwali and Durga Puja, providing significant financial relief to railway staff. Each employee will receive up to 78 days of wages, a boost aimed at recognizing their vital contribution to railway operations.
The bonus announcement is part of the government’s broader strategy to reward the hard work of employees, especially in increasing freight and passenger efficiency. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the significance of this decision, particularly in light of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters affecting railway operations.
Railway unions have welcomed the government’s move, as they had been lobbying for fair recognition of the workforce’s efforts. The PLB is based on performance parameters such as improving punctuality, enhancing safety standards, and increasing freight carriage. It also reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to employee welfare and the broader goal of boosting economic activity by putting money into the hands of workers just before major festivals.
This year’s bonus is expected to inject funds into local economies across India, particularly in areas where railway employees form a substantial part of the working population. Overall, the announcement is being viewed as a timely morale booster that acknowledges the efforts of India’s railway workforce and the critical role they play in maintaining the country’s transportation infrastructure.
