Cabinet approves 78-day bonus for 11.4 lakh railway employees, extends social assistance scheme

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a productivity-linked bonus (PLB) equivalent to 78 days’ wages for 11,40,770 railway employees, involving an outlay of ₹2,009.61 crore. 

The Cabinet has also approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a total outlay of ₹53,428 crore. The decision includes changes to the eligibility criteria and assistance provided under the disability pension scheme. 

Railway employees to receive bonus before festive season 

The productivity-linked bonus is paid annually to eligible non-gazetted railway employees ahead of the Durga Puja and Dussehra festivities. The payment is intended to incentivise employees and encourage improvements in railway operations and performance. 

The maximum bonus payable to an eligible employee will be ₹17,951 for 78 days. Beneficiaries include track maintainers, loco pilots, train managers, station masters, supervisors, technicians, technician helpers, pointsmen, ministerial staff, and other Group C employees. 

The government said the Railways delivered a strong operational performance in 2025-26, loading a record 1,670 million tonnes of freight and carrying nearly 7.41 billion passengers. The bonus payment recognises the contribution of railway employees to the national transporter’s operational performance. 

Cabinet extends social assistance programme with ₹53,428 crore outlay 

The Cabinet has approved the continuation of the NSAP for five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a total allocation of ₹53,428 crore. 

The programme will undergo changes, including the renaming of the scheme and its sub-schemes, revised eligibility criteria and higher assistance under the disability pension scheme. The pension schemes for senior citizens and widows, along with the family benefit scheme, will continue in their existing form. 

The government estimates that 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 states and Union Territories will benefit from the decision. 

Disability pension eligibility criteria relaxed 

Under the revised framework, disability pension assistance will be ₹375 per month for beneficiaries aged 0-79 years and ₹625 per month for those aged 80 years and above. 

The benchmark disability requirement will be reduced to 40% from the existing 80%. The minimum age criterion for disability pension will also be removed, making individuals eligible from birth, subject to the applicable criteria. 

The government will issue guidelines detailing the revised eligibility conditions, beneficiary coverage and assistance rates within three months. 

Launched on August 15, 1995, the NSAP provides social assistance to poor households and fulfils the Central Government’s responsibility under Article 41 of the Constitution’s Directive Principles of State Policy. 

The programme provides 100% central assistance to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive support across the country. 

The revised disability pension criteria are also aligned with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which defines benchmark disability at 40%. The legislation also provides for disability-related assistance to be at least 25% higher than assistance under comparable schemes for other categories.