18 Oct, 2023 10:03 PM

Government announces 78 days PL Bonus for over 11 lakh Railway Employees

The government on Wednesday announced a Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) equivalent to 78 days' wages for all eligible non-gazetted railway employees for the financial year 2022-23. This will benefit over 11 lakh railway employees.

Read the order: Railway issues OM for 78 days Productivity Linked Bonus to all eligible non-gazetted Railway staff

Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur announced this decision, emphasizing the government's commitment to acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the railway workforce.

The railway employees who stand to gain from this substantial bonus encompass a diverse range of roles, from track maintainers and loco pilots to train managers, station masters, supervisors, technicians, technician helpers, pointsmen, ministerial staff, and other Group 'C' personnel. Notably, this PLB scheme excludes personnel affiliated with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF). The financial implications of this bonus are expected to amount to a total of Rs 1,968.87 crore, according to Minister Thakur.

This announcement comes just a day after the government announced a Non-Productivity Linked Bonus (ad-hoc bonus) to Central Government Employees for the year 2022-23.

The government also hiked the Dearness Allowance (DA) for Central Government Employees from 38% to 46% from July 1, 2023. This will benefit over 46 lakh employees and 68 lakh pensioners.

The hike in DA and payment of PLB to railway employees is a welcome move, especially in light of the rising cost of living. However, employees are still waiting for the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission, which is expected to lead to a significant increase in their salaries.

Employees' Expectations for 8th Pay Commission

The 7th Pay Commission was implemented in 2016, and employees have been demanding the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission for several years now. The government has constituted a committee to examine the issue of the 8th Pay Commission, but there is no clarity on when it will be implemented.

Employees are hoping that the government will implement the 8th Pay Commission soon, as it will help them to cope with the rising cost of living. They are also expecting the government to announce a hike in the minimum wage, as the current minimum wage is not enough to meet their basic needs.