14 lakh rail workers to be rewarded

In a major incentive to his ministry's 14 lakh employees for their contribution to the "historic" turnaround of the Railways, Lalu Prasad on Friday increased the contribution to the staff benefit fund nine fold from Rs 26 per employee to Rs 226 per employee.

"With their rigorous hard work, 14 lakh railway men have effected a historic turnaround in the financial position of the railways. In my New Year message to railway men I had assured them that their expectations would be met in the current year," Prasad said while presenting the Rail Budget for 2006-07.

The Railway Budget 2006-07

He promised to expand facilities in staff quarters and colonies and significantly increase the allocation for this purpose.

Prasad has taken special care for gang men and key men and declared sanction of quality shoes, socks, gloves, summer and winter uniforms and necessary implements for them.

For the running staff, food at nominal rates would be made available to them as they faced difficulties in arranging food at odd hours and odd places while on duty.