2026 से रेलवे कर्मचारियों को गोल्ड प्लेटेड सिल्वर मेडल नहीं मिलेंगे!
Railway Board Order 28.01.2026: Discontinuation of Gold Plated Silver Medals for Retiring Railway Officials: The Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) has issued an important order dated 28 January 2026, officially discontinuing the long-standing practice of presenting Gold-plated Silver Medals to retiring Railway officials. This decision applies to all employees retiring from Indian Railways, including those serving in Production Units (PUs) and Centralized Training Institutes (CTIs).
- Order Reference: No.2026/E(W)/40/01, Railway Board, New Delhi
- Effective Date: Immediate implementation from 28.01.2026
Background of the Medal Presentation System
The tradition of presenting gold-plated silver medals to retiring Railway staff began in March 2006. Employees retiring through superannuation or voluntary retirement were awarded a medal weighing approximately 20 grams as a token of appreciation for their service. This practice was continued through several Railway Board circulars issued in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
Why the Railway Board Discontinued the Practice in 2026
- Quality Issues with Medals
In the past few years, multiple cases surfaced where the medals supplied by vendors contained poor-quality or even fake silver. This raised serious concerns about procurement standards, vendor reliability, and financial misuse. - Sharp Increase in Silver Prices
Silver has become significantly more expensive in the last 20 years. The rising cost made the production of these medals financially unviable, prompting the Railways to rethink the necessity of continuing this tradition. - Need to Reduce Unnecessary Expenditure
The government is taking various steps to streamline spending across ministries. Since the medals did not directly contribute to employee welfare or operational efficiency, they were identified as an area where expenses could be reduced.
What Happens to the Existing Silver Medals?
The order states that any medals already manufactured or available in Railway stores will be:
- Accounted for properly
- Repurposed for suitable activities within the department
- Utilized in a manner that avoids wastage
This ensures that already procured items are not discarded but redirected for meaningful use. The discontinuation of gold-plated silver medals marks the end of a 20-year tradition in Indian Railways. Driven by concerns around cost, quality, and practicality, this decision aims to promote better financial management. While symbolic tokens are discontinued, the Railways is expected to explore more sustainable ways to honor the dedication and contribution of retiring officials.
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