New Delhi: Bringing festive cheer ahead of Diwali, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a ₹1,865.68 crore productivity-linked bonus (PLB) for 10.90 lakh non-gazetted railway employees, along with a massive ₹69,725 crore reform package aimed at reviving India’s shipbuilding and maritime sector.
The announcements were made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who said the Diwali bonus will be credited directly into employees’ accounts before the festival.
Diwali Gift for Railway Workers: 78-Day Productivity Bonus
The Cabinet approved the payment of productivity-linked bonus for 78 days for eligible railway employees. This long-standing demand from unions, including the Indian Railway Employees Federation (IREF), has been met just in time for the festive season.
“The total financial implication of this move is ₹1,865.68 crore,” Vaishnaw said. “This is a gesture of appreciation for the tireless efforts of our railway staff in keeping the nation moving.”
The bonus is currently calculated at ₹7,000 per month, but unions have demanded it be increased to reflect the ₹18,000 per month base salary in line with Pay Commission recommendations.
₹69,725 Cr Maritime Sector Boost: 4-Pillar Reform Package
In a major move to revive India’s declining shipbuilding and maritime ecosystem, the Cabinet also cleared a ₹69,725 crore reform plan under a four-pillar strategy, which includes:
- Incentivising domestic shipbuilding
- Boosting maritime finance options
- Upgrading port infrastructure and technology
- Enhancing local manufacturing capacities
“This is a forward-looking policy to make India a global player in shipbuilding and maritime exports,” Vaishnaw added.
The package aligns with the government’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat and Blue Economy vision, and is expected to create thousands of jobs and generate export revenues over the next decade.
