National News: In a welcome move for railway employees across the country, the Ministry of Railways has issued a circular dated July 7, 2025, announcing that the period spent at home by trainee employees during the Covid-19 lockdown will now be officially considered part of their training period. This decision clears the way for those employees to receive salary increments as per standard rules.
This measure is expected to benefit a large number of railway trainees who were inducted during the pandemic but were unable to participate in on-ground training due to nationwide restrictions and lockdowns.
Stay-at-Home Training Period to Be Treated as Duty
The circular, which was sent to all zonal railways and production units, reiterates that under existing railway regulations, any period of training—whether paid or unpaid—is deemed as duty. Therefore, the time spent at home by trainees during the Covid-19 restrictions will be recognized as official duty for all practical purposes.
Clarification Issued in Response to Zonal Query
The clarification came after a regional railway office sought guidance on whether the lockdown period, during which trainees remained at home, should be counted as part of their duty. The ministry reviewed the matter and issued a fresh directive based on prior instructions.
It was also recalled that back in 2020, the ministry had already issued an order to release stipends to trainees who were unable to report physically due to lockdown. However, it was then specified that no trainee could remain at home for more than six months during their training tenure.
Salary Hike Eligibility Confirmed, Boost for Employee Morale
In the latest circular, the Ministry stated, "After re-examining the issue, it has been decided that the period during which railway trainees stayed at home for up to six months during the Covid-19 lockdown shall be treated as duty. Hence, such employees will be eligible for annual increments."
This announcement brings significant relief and financial benefit to thousands of railway personnel whose career progression and salary revision had been uncertain due to the exceptional circumstances of the pandemic. The move is expected to boost morale and reaffirm trust in the administration among the railway workforce.
