Ahead of the Dussehra festival, a group of Indian Railway employees have requested a revision in the calculation of their annual productivity-linked bonus (PLB). They are urging the government to pay bonuses based on the Seventh Pay Commission instead of the old pay scale. Sixth Pay CommissionThey argue that the decision is unjust and does not reflect their current salaries.
The case for amendment
In a letter to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, Indian Railway Employees Federation (IREF) National General Secretary Sarvjeet Singh said that the current PLB is calculated on the basis of the Sixth Pay Commission minimum salary of Rs 7,000 per month. However, from January 1, 2016, railway employees are getting a minimum salary of Rs 18,000 under the Seventh Pay Commission.
“Calculating PLB using the minimum wage of Rs 7,000 is a clear injustice and exploitation of railway employees,” Singh said, stressing that the bonus should be linked with the updated pay scale to reflect the actual income of employees.
COVID-19 Contribution and Growing Concerns
IREF highlighted the significant contribution of railway employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the nationwide lockdown and people's fear, railway employees ensured uninterrupted train operations, leading to an increase in railway revenue, as reflected in quarterly reports. The federation argued that employees should be suitably rewarded for their dedication.
As per government guidelines, railway employees get PLB equivalent to 78 days' salary. However, the current payment based on a monthly salary of Rs 7,000 is Rs 17,951, which does not reflect the actual earnings of any railway employee. Singh said that the correct PLB calculation based on a minimum salary of Rs 18,000 should be Rs 46,159.
plea for justice
IREF concluded by urging the government to revise the PLB calculation in accordance with the Seventh Pay Commission. Singh said, “This revision will enable railway employees to celebrate the upcoming Dussehra festival happily and continue their important contribution to railway operations.” He hoped for quick action from the government on this.
