Bhubaneswar, 25 October (H.S.): The Bharatiya Railway Mazdoor Sangh (BRMS) is observing a nationwide protest week from October 22 to 28, demanding an increase in the productivity-linked bonus (PLB) calculation ceiling for railway employees from ₹7,000 to ₹18,000 per month. Trilochan Sahu, General Secretary of the East Coast Railway Mazdoor Sangh (ECoRMS), has also demanded payment of the differential bonus amount for 2025–26 before Diwali 2026.

Sahu said railway employees play a crucial role in ensuring safe passenger travel, freight transportation, maintenance of railway assets and the country’s economic growth. Indian Railways recorded freight loading of 1,670 million tonnes and transported approximately 7.41 billion passengers in 2025–26, reflecting the workforce’s contribution, he said.

While welcoming the Cabinet’s approval of 78 days’ productivity-linked bonus, Sahu expressed concern that the maximum bonus amount of ₹17,951 had remained unchanged for years despite rising workloads and productivity. He called for revising the calculation ceiling in line with the ₹18,000 minimum basic pay under the Seventh Central Pay Commission, considering inflation and the current pay structure.

The union has demanded immediate implementation of the revised ceiling for all eligible railway employees, payment of the 2025–26 bonus differential before Diwali, and regular reviews of the ceiling based on wages, inflation and productivity.

As part of the protest programme, awareness campaigns, poster drives and leaflet distribution are being conducted at branch level from October 22 to 26. Dharna and gate meetings will be held at divisional headquarters and workshop gates on October 27, followed by demonstrations at zonal headquarters and production units on October 28. Memoranda addressed to the Prime Minister will be submitted through the concerned railway authorities.

Sahu appealed to railway employees to participate unitedly in the movement, describing it as a campaign for fair financial benefits, dignity and recognition of their contribution.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda