One-time, One-way Switch facility from UPS to NPS made available to the Central Government Employees under specific conditions
30th September 2025 to be the last date to opt for UPS
The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for eligible Central Government employees was notified by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, vide Notification No. F. No. FX-1/3/2024-PR dated 24.01.2025.
The Department of Financial Services has issued an Office Memorandum No. 1/3/2024-PR dated 25.08.2025, introducing a one-time, one-way switch facility for Central Government employees who have opted for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) to revert to the National Pension System (NPS), under specified conditions.
i. Eligible employees under UPS can switch to NPS only once, and cannot switch back to UPS.
ii. The switch must be exercised at least one year before superannuation or three months before voluntary retirement, whichever is applicable.
iii. The switch facility will not be allowed in case of removal, dismissal or compulsory retirement as a penalty or for cases where disciplinary proceedings are ongoing or contemplated.
iv. Those who do not opt for the switch within the stipulated time will continue under UPS by default.
v. Employees who choose to remain in NPS cannot opt for UPS after 30th September 2025.
This initiative aims to provide informed choice to Central Government employees in planning their post-retirement financial security. By opting for UPS the employees retain their choice for swich to NPS at a later date.
Note: The last date for eligible employees and past retirees under NPS to opt for UPS is September 30, 2025.
IRTSA urges the Finance Minister to revise the Productivity Linked Bonus ceiling to ₹18,000 plus DA
INDIAN RAILWAYS TECHNICAL SUPERVISORS’ ASSOCIATION
No:IRTSA/Memo-33
Date: 28.08.2025
Smt. Nirmala Sitaraman Hon’ble Minister for Finance
Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw Hon’ble Minister for Railways
Respected Madam/Sir,
Sub: Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for non gazetted Railway employees for the financial year 2024-25.
Ref: Railway Board order No. E(P&A)II/2015/PLB-4 (RBE No.109/2016), dated 15.09.2016.
1) We request your kind attention for revising the ceiling of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for Railway employees working in level-1 to Rs.18,000 + DA and calculation of PLB in proportion to higher pay levels for the employees working in level-2 and above. Ceiling of monthly emolument of Rs.7000 for the purpose of calculating PLB for non-gazetted Railway Employees fixed in the year 2016 is unrealistic and not in commensuration with 7th CPC pay matrix.
2) The PLB scheme for Railway employees came in to force from the year 1979. From the year 1995-96, all the Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ employees have been paid PLB without any ceiling on wages for eligibility. The scheme envisaged measurement of productivity of Railways by the net tonne KM for goods revenue traffic and passenger KM equated to goods traffic relating to average staff strength.
3) Ceiling of monthly emoluments for the purpose of payment of PLB was fixed as Rs.7000 (Basic Pay + DA) from the financial year 2014-15 vide Railway Board letter No. RBE No.109/2016 dated 15.09.2016. It remains same till date with same PLB amount of Rs.17,951 for continuous ten years.
4) Year wise from 2001-02 to 2023-24 equivalent days of PLB, monthly wage ceiling and maximum PLB admissible is given in the table below.
Year
Days
Monthly wage ceilingÂ
Maximum PLB
Amount in Rs.
1
2001-02
59
2500
4849
2
2002-03
59
2500
4836
3
2003-04
59
2500
4836
4
2004-05
59
2500
4849
5
2005-06
65
2500
5342
6
2006-07
70
2500
5753
7
2007-08
73
3500
8399
8
2008-09
75
3500
8630
9
2009-10
77
3500
8860
10
2010-11
78
3500
8975
11
2011-12
78
3500
8975
12
2012-13
78
3500
8975
13
2013-14
78
3500
8975
14
2014-15
78
7000
17951
16
2015-16
78
7000
17951
17
2016-17
78
7000
17951
18
2017-18
78
7000
17951
19
2018-19
78
7000
17951
20
2019-20
78
7000
17951
21
2020-21
78
7000
17951
22
2021-22
78
7000
17951
23
2022-23
78
7000
17951
24
2023-24
78
7000
17951
5) Entry pay for lowest grade of Pay Level-1 in Railways was fixed as Rs.18,000 w.e.f. 01.01.2016. PLB equivalent to 78-day wages calculated on the basis of wage ceiling of Rs.7000 with the maximum admissible PLB of Rs.17,951 sounds irrational.
6) Indian Railways is continuously improving its productivity. Gross traffic receipt of IR has increased by 5.1% from Rs.2,64,600 crore in 2023-24 to Rs. 2,78,100 crore in 2024-25. This improved performance is not being reflected in PLB paid to employees.
7) Issues with Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB)
i) Ceiling not in commensuration with 7[th] CPC pay matrix: Monthly wages ceiling for PLB was not revised from Rs.7000 to Rs.18,000 after implementation of 7[th] CPC recommendations w.e.f. 01.01.2016. Ceiling of Rs.7000 remains same for ten years.
ii) Stagnant PLB Amount: The PLB amount of ₹17,951 has not increased for the past ten years, ignoring even inflation. Since implementation of 7[th] CPC pay matrix, rate of DA increased to 55% up to January 2025. PLB should have been increased by Rs.9800 atleast in proportion to DA increase since 2016.
iii) PLB is not in proportion to number of equivalent days announced: Last year PLB equivalent for 78 days wages were announced. But, Rs.17,951 paid as PLB was not in proportion to 78 days wages. PLB paid per day worked out to be Rs.230 (Rs.17,951/78 days), whereas minimum pay per day for starting basic pay of Rs.18,000 in level-1 plus 55% DA is Rs.930.
iv) No weightage for employees working in Pay Level- 2 and above: PLB calculation gives no weightage for employees working in Pay Level 2 and above, shouldering higher responsibilities for improving productivity.
v) PLB paid not in proportion to improved Railway performance: Improvements in the productivity of goods and passenger traffic not reflected in the PLB paid to employees.
8) It is therefore requested that
i) Revision of Ceiling Limit for Pay Level-1:
The ceiling limit for Pay Level-1 employees for the purpose of PLB should be revised to ₹18,000 plus Dearness Allowance (DA).
ii) Removal of Ceiling Limit for Pay Levels 2 and above:
The ceiling limit of PLB should be removed for employees working in level-2 and above and the calculation of PLB should linked to Pay level the employees are working.
Thanking you
K.V.RAMESH General Secretary, IRTSA 9003149578
Copy for kind information & necessary action CRB & CEO Railway Board, New Delhi. Additional Secretary, Dept of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. Secretary, Railway Board, New Delhi.
Indian Railways and SBI: Enhanced Insurance Benefits for Railway Employees
Indian Railways and the State Bank of India (SBI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide enhanced insurance benefits to railway employees. This agreement, overseen by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, aims to offer comprehensive financial security, especially for frontline Group C personnel.
Key Highlights of the MoU
Accidental Death: Railway employees with a salary account at SBI are now eligible for an enhanced ₹1 crore accidental death insurance cover.
Air Accident Death: In the unfortunate event of an air accident, the coverage increases to ₹1.6 crore, with an additional benefit of up to ₹1 crore available on their RuPay debit card.
Permanent Disability: The MoU also includes significant coverage for disability:
₹1 crore for permanent total disability due to an accident.
Up to ₹80 lakh for permanent partial disability.
This partnership is part of a compassionate, employee-centric initiative to provide exclusive and robust benefits, ensuring the well-being of railway personnel and their families.
Indian Railways & State Bank of India Signs MoU for Enhanced Insurance Benefits to Railway Employees in the Presence of Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw
Railway Employees Maintaining Salary Accounts with SBI to Get Enhanced Insurance Coverage of ₹1 Crore for Accidental Death
Railway Employees to Get ₹1.6 Cr Air Accident (Death) Cover Plus an Additional up to ₹1 Cr on RuPay Debit Card
Personal Accident (Permanent Total Disablement) Cover of ₹1.00 crore & Personal Accident (Permanent Partial Disability) Cover of up to ₹80 lakh
A Compassionate, Employee-Centric MoU to Deliver Exclusive Benefits, Particularly For Frontline Group C Railway Personnel & Others
A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between two of India’s leading institutions – Indian Railways (IR), one the largest rail networks in the world, and the State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest public sector bank. The ceremony was honoured by the August presence of the Hon’ble Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw; the Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Satish Kumar; and the Chairman, SBI, Shri C.S. Setty.
Under this MoU, insurance coverage for Railway employees maintaining salary accounts with SBI has been significantly enhanced. In case of accidental death, the insurance benefit has been increased to ₹1 crore, compared to the current coverage of ₹1.20 lakh, ₹60,000 and ₹30,000 for Group A, B, and C employees respectively covered under CGEGIS.
Additionally, all Railway employees holding only a salary account with SBI will now be eligible for natural death insurance coverage of ₹10 lakh—without the need for paying any premium or undergoing any medical examination.
With nearly 7 lakh Railway employees maintaining salary accounts with SBI, this agreement marks a major step towards employee welfare, reflecting a caring and constructive partnership between Indian Railways and SBI.
Some of the key complimentary insurance covers under this MoU include: Air Accident Insurance (Death) Cover of ₹1.60 crore plus an additional up to ₹1.00 crore on RuPay Debit Card; Personal Accident (Permanent Total Disablement) Cover of ₹1.00 crore; and Personal Accident (Permanent Partial Disability) Cover of up to ₹80 lakh.
This MoU between two leading entities is employee-centric, compassionate, and designed to bring exclusive benefits to the workforce—especially frontline railway personnel in Group C and others.
iGOT Kamayogi Mandatory Course & Assessment : Guidelines for implementation of DoPT’s O.M. dated 04.07.2025
No.T-28/27/2025-iGOT Government of India Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Personnel & Training Training Wing
Block-IV, Old JNU Campus, New Delhi -110067 Dated: 29 August,2025
Office Memorandum
Subject: Guidelines for implementation of DoPT’s O.M. dated 04.07.2025 regarding Mandatory Course Completion and Comprehensive Assessment on iGOT Kamayogi – reg.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s O.M. of even number dated 04.07.2025 mandating all Central Government employees and officers of the All India Services to complete prescribed courses and undergo comprehensive assessments on the iGOT Karmayogi platform, with the outcomes to be duly reflected in the Amual Perfomance Appraisal Report (APAR).
2. In pursuance of the above, Ministries/Departments/Organizations (MDOs) were advised to identify suitable iGOT Karmayogi courses, set annual training targets, prepare Question Banks for assessments, and ensure integration of SPARROW with iGOT, among other measures.
3. Subsequently, a number of references are being received from MDOs seeking clarifications on various aspects of the implementation of the said O.M. Accordingly, comprehensive Guidelines for Implementation of O.M. dated 04.07.2025 have been prepared to provide clarity and facilitate uniform adoption across all MDOs.
4. A copy of the said Guidelines is enclosed herewith for information and necessary action. All MDOs are requested to ensure adherence to these Guidelines while implementing the provisions of this Department’s O.M. dated 04.07.2025.
5. This issues with the approval of competent authority.
Encl: As stated
(Gaurav Anand) Under Secretary to the Government of India
To (i) Secretaries to all the Ministries/Departments of the Government of India (ii) All Cadre Controlling Authorities
Copy to: (i) Chief Secretaries of all State Governments /UT Administrations (ii) PSO to Secretary (P), DoPT (iii) Secretary, Capacity Building Commission (iv) CEO, Karmayogi Bharat (v) Director (IT), NIC (vi) Deputy Secretary /Director AIS Division, DoPT (vii) Deputy Secretary /Director, PP Division, DoPT (viii) NIC (Trg), DoPT with request to upload the circular on website
AIRF Announces Nationwide Protest on 19th September Over Delay in 8th Pay Commission Gazette Notification
New Delhi, August 31, 2025 – The All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) has announced a nationwide protest on 19th September 2025 against the non-issuance of the Gazette Notification for the 8th Pay Commission, even though the Government had announced its constitution more than six months ago.
This was decided unanimously in the National Executive Meeting of the AIRF, which was attended by the leaders of all the affiliated unions on 28th August 2025.
In a press statement issued after national executive meeting, AIRF General Secretary Comrade Shiva Gopal Mishra stated that the protest will be organized across all the branches of the railway union throughout the country. The demonstrations will also mark a tribute to the martyrs of 19th September. He appealed to railway employees to participate in large numbers while ensuring that the protests remain peaceful, disciplined, and widespread.
Comrade Mishra further urged the Government of India to immediately issue the Gazette Notification, fulfill its promise, and address the growing discontent among central government employees, particularly in the Indian Railways.
*PRESS STATEMENT*
AIRF Announces Nationwide Protest on 19th September Over Delay in 8th Pay Commission Gazette Notification
New Delhi, August 31, 2025 – The All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) has announced a nationwide protest on 19th September 2025 against the…
Government extends ECHS Facilities for Medically Boarded-Out Officer Cadets from military training
Reaffirming its commitment to the dignity and well-being of the armed forces, the Government has approved the extension of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) facility to officer cadets who are invalidated from training on medical grounds attributable to or aggravated by military training. Cadets who join prestigious institutions like NDA, OTA and IMA with the aspiration to serve the nation, often suffer lifelong disabilities but are currently not eligible for ECHS as they are not granted ex-servicemen (ESM) status.
This measure is applicable to cadets who have been medically boarded out prior to completion of training and is also extendable to future similar cases. Considering the humanitarian nature and financial burden on families, the Government has approved quality medical care for such cadets without creating a precedent for other categories. The grant of ECHS facilities shall be subject to the following conditions:
Apply for membership of ECHS and accept ECHS rules
Avail facility for individual only
Avail free OPD services from ECHS Polyclinics
Avail cashless OPD/IPD/Investigations in ECHS empanelled Hospitals
Should not be member of any other Government Health Scheme
The one-time subscription fee (i.e Rs1.20 lacs currently applicable to ESM officers) will not be charged from the officer cadets towards joining the ECHS Scheme.
While a small number of cadets annually are affected, the financial and emotional burden on their families is significant. In such instances, the practice is to extend a monthly ex-gratia payment to such cadets. In addition, based on the extent of disability (20% to 100%), a monthly ex-gratia disability award is also made available to such cadets. With this approval, these cadets will now be eligible for availing cashless and capless healthcare facilities under ECHS.
ECHS was launched in April 2003 for Ex-servicemen and their dependents by utilizing the existing medical infrastructure of Armed Forces and private empanelled/ government hospitals across the country. It has 30 Regional Centres (RC) and 448 Polyclinics (PCs) pan India with a total beneficiary base of approximately 63 lakhs. It has 3000+ Empanelled Health Care organisations under its network.
Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (2016=100) – July, 2025
1. Labour Bureau, an attached office of the M/o Labour & Employment, has been compiling Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers every month on the basis of retail prices collected from 317 markets spread over 88 industrially important centres in the country. The index for the month of July, 2025 is being released in this press release.
2. The All-India CPI-IW for July, 2025 increased by 1.5 point and stood at 146.5 (one hundred forty-six point five).
2. It has been decided that a one-time, one-way switch facility from UPS to NPS shall be made available to all Central Government employees who have opted for UPS. This switch facility may be exercised by UPS optees any time not later than one year prior to the date of superannuation or three months prior to the deemed date of retirement in case of voluntary retirement, as applicable. Similar provisions will be made for resignation and cases of Rule 56J, with minor modifications as necessary. If switch facility not exercised as per aforesaid timelines, the employee shall continue under UPS by default.
3. The switch facility will not be allowed in case of removal, dismissal or compulsory retirement as a penalty or for cases where disciplinary proceedings are ongoing or contemplated.
4. Once the switch facility is availed, the provisions of the PFRDA (Exit & Withdrawal under NPS) Regulations, 2015 shall apply. The concerned employee shall cease to be eligible for assured payouts and UPS benefits. The Government’s differential contribution (4%) at default investment pattern will be worked out and shall be credited to the individual’s NPS corpus at the time of exit.
5. Ministries/Departments are requested to bring the contents of this O.M. to the notice of eligible officers/officials under your administrative control.
6. This issues with the approval of Competent authority
(Harkesh Chander) Under Secretary to the Government of India Tele no. 2374 8760
All Secretaries to the Government of India (as per Standard List)
AIRF demands early disbursement of Productivity Linked Bonus for 2024-25 before Puja/Dussehra festival
All India Railwaymen’s Federation
No. AIRF/387
Dated: 22.08.2025
The Chairman & CEO, Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi-110001.
Sub: Request for early disbursement of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for 2024-25 to Railway employees on the occasion of Puja Festival – 2025
Dear Sir,
As you are well aware, the auspicious festival of Shardiya Navratra and Durga Puja, which holds immense cultural, social, and religious significance among the people across the country, will be celebrated from 22nd September 2025 to 2nd October 2025, with the major festivities of Durga Puja falling between 29th/30th September to 2nd October 2025, particularly in West Bengal and adjoining states. This festival is among the most widely celebrated across India, marked by great devotion, enthusiasm, and community participation. A large number of Railway employees and their families enthusiastically take part in these celebrations.
In keeping with the long-standing tradition, it is earnestly requested that the Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for 2024-25 be disbursed to Railway employees well before the commencement of the Puja/Dussehra festival season, so that employees may celebrate these occasions with dignity and financial ease.
It may be recalled that, owing to persistent efforts of this Federation and the overwhelming support of the workforce, the Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Act, 2015 came into force, enhancing the calculation ceiling under Section 12 of the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 from Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 7,000 or the notified minimum wage for scheduled employment, whichever is higher.
Since 2015, substantial upward revisions have taken place in employees’ emoluments. For instance, as per the latest guidelines issued by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, the minimum wage for a Skilled Worker in Area ‘A’ stands at Rs. 25,506/- w.e.f. 01.04.2025. Further, following the implementation of the 7th Central Pay Commission, the minimum Basic Pay of a Central Government employee is fixed at Rs. 18,000/- per month. Therefore, continuation of the present monthly ceiling of Rs. 7,000/- for the calculation of PLB/Ad-hoc Bonus is wholly unjustified and urgently requires enhancement in line with current pay and wage structures.
In light of the above, AIRF strongly urges that the PLB for the year 2024-25 be disbursed to Railway employees without any ceiling limit, duly calculated on the basis of Basic Pay plus DA, and released well in advance of the Dussehra/Puja festival to provide timely relief and encouragement to the workforce.
We shall be grateful for your kind consideration and immediate favorable orders in this regard.
Yours sincerely, (Shiva Gopal Mishra) General Secretary
Copy to:
Member (Finance), Railway Board, New Delhi – for necessary action.
DG (HR), Railway Board, New Delhi – for necessary action.
Pr. E.D (IR), Railway Board, New Delhi – for necessary action.
General Secretaries, All Affiliated Unions of AIRF – For information.
Disbursement of August 2025 Salary to Central Government Employees in Kerala Ahead of Onam Festival
F. No. TA-2-03002(2)/1/2020/TA-II/(E-3001)/277-290 Ministry of Finance Department of Expenditure Controller General of Accounts Mahalekha Niyantrak Bhawan, E Block, GPO Complex INA, New Delhi-110023
Date:21-08-2025
OFFICЕ МЕMORANDUM
Subject: Disbursement of salary/wages/pension to the Central Government Employees/Pensioners in the State of Kerala for the month of August, 2025 on account of ONAM festival-reg.
In view of the ‘ONAM’ festival, the Government has decided that the salary/wages/pension of all Central Government employees in the State of Kerala may be drawn and disbursed by the Central Government offices (including Defence, Posts & Telecommunications) on 25-08-2025 (Monday).
2.The wages of the industrial employees of the Central Government serving in the State of Kerala may also be disbursed in advance as per the date given above.
3.The pension of all Central Government Pensioners in the State of Kerala may also be disbursed by Bank/PAOs as per the date given above.
4.The salary/wages/pension so disbursed is to be treated as advance payments and will be subject to adjustment after the full month’s salary/wages/pension of each employee/pensioner is determined. The adjustment, if any, will be made without exception from the salary/wages/ pension of the month of August 2025.
5.The concerned Ministries/Departments are requested to bring these instructions to the notice of their offices located in the State of Kerala for necessary action immediately.
6. Reserve Bank of India is requested to bring these instructions to the notice of all paying branches of all Banks located in the State of Kerala for necessary action immediately.
(Sanchita Shukla) Joint Controller General of Accounts (ARPR
