Payment of Productivity Linked Bonus to Railwaymen for the year 2023-24 – AIRF demands to remove Notional Salary Ceiling
All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF)
No AIRF/387
Dated August 30, 2024
The General Secretaries,
All Affiliated Unions,
Dear Comrades,
Subject: Payment of Productivity Linked Bonus to Railwaymen for the year 2023-24
As you are all aware, Railway employees have been receiving the Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) every year before the Dussehra Puja holidays under the PLB Scheme. According to the policy framed by the Government of India, after negotiations with the Federations, the PLB equivalent to seventy-eight days’ wages (with a notional calculation of salary at Rs. 7000 per month) is paid each year before the commencement of the Dussehra Puja holidays.
The Government of India has long been urged to abolish the existing stipulation of notional salary calculation, enabling Railway employees to receive the PLB based on actual wages. This request is made in recognition of the fact that the duties performed by Railway employees are unique, complex, and arduous, with a significant percentage of staff serving in remote locations where basic necessities are often lacking However, despite repeated submissions by the Federation (AIRF), the Government has not yet responded positively, and as a result, the notional salary ceiling of Rs.7000 per month continues to apply for the payment of the PLB.
Indian Railways has achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing previous records, with freight loading of 1591 MT in the year 2023-24, compared to 1312 MT in 2022-23. This highest-ever freight loading was announced by the Government in Parliament. Additionally, the earnings of Indian Railways for 2023-24 have increased substantially. These significant achievements have been made possible due to the devoted and dedicated services of all categories of employees. However, Railway Board, under the insistence of the Ministry of Finance, was attempting to alter the formula for calculating the PLB, and draft proposal for 76 days was prepared The Federation(AIRF) strongly opposed it, and on the intervention of Hon’ble M.R it was agreed to provide PLB of 78 days.
I appeal to all Railwaymen to unite and raise their voices against the removal or relaxation of the salary calculation ceiling, as the payment of bonus in the Railways is directly linked to productivity. Let us strive to ensure that the existing policy and practice of paying a Productivity Linked Bonus higher than the previous years is upheld.
Comradely yours,
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary
Source : AIRF
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