Clarification on Ceiling of Five Incentive Increments for Railway Sportspersons
The Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) has recently issued an important clarification regarding the ceiling of five incentive increments granted to railway sportspersons and coaches. The clarification addresses doubts raised by Northern Railway and South Western Railway about whether increments can be given beyond the ceiling of five, especially when some have already been granted at the time of appointment.
What the Railway Board Clarified
In its latest circular (No. 2025/E(Sports)/4(2)/8/Misc(Policy) dated 28.10.2025), the Railway Board referred to its earlier instruction — Board’s letter No. E(Sports)/2003/Policy/INC/1 dated 09.07.2009 — which clearly states:
“A maximum of five incentive increments can be granted to a Railway Servant during their entire service career on sports account.”
These instructions apply prospectively, meaning they affect cases from 09 July 2009 onwards.
Exception for Achievements Before 09 July 2009
However, the Board has also clarified an important exception. If a sportsperson earned achievements before 09.07.2009, they can be granted additional incentive increments as per the policy that existed before that date — without applying the five-increment ceiling.
This means:
- Sportspersons who had valid achievements prior to July 2009 will not be restricted by the five-increment limit.
- The five-increment rule applies only to achievements made after 09.07.2009.
Why This Clarification Matters
This clarification helps ensure fairness to long-serving railway sportspersons who achieved excellence before the 2009 policy came into effect. It removes confusion about whether earlier achievements can be rewarded and allows the administration to grant pending increments in line with old rules.
Railway Sports Associations like the Northern Railway Sports Association (NRSA) and South Western Railway Sports Association (SWRSA) had sought this clarity to ensure uniform implementation of incentive policies across zones.
Key Takeaways
- The five-increment ceiling applies prospectively from 09 July 2009.
- Achievements before that date can still earn increments beyond five as per old policy.
- The clarification ensures uniform treatment for all railway sportspersons.
- The order was signed by Ravinder Kumar, Deputy Director/E(Sports), Railway Board.