Breaking with nearly two decades of protocol, Indian Railways has officially discontinued gold-plated silver medals for retirees following a counterfeit crisis. The Railway Board’s January 28, 2026, circular from Renu Sharma marks the end of an era, applying to all retirements from January 31 onward.
Since 2006, the 20-gram medals had become synonymous with dignified farewells, honoring the tireless contributions of railway personnel. But a Bhopal division probe shattered this image, revealing medals with negligible silver—only 0.23%—sold as premium keepsakes.
Consequences were swift: legal action via FIR against the vendor, initiation of blacklisting, and reallocation of inventory for non-retirement needs. No more will these dubious items grace retirement podiums.
The decision underscores a zero-tolerance stance on graft within public institutions. Railway insiders point to this as a watershed moment, potentially saving costs while restoring faith. ‘Traditions evolve when trust is breached,’ one official remarked.
As the dust settles, discussions swirl around replacements—perhaps digital commendations or service plaques. For the rank-and-file who’ve pinned hopes on these mementos, it’s a bittersweet shift, highlighting the clash between heritage and accountability in modern governance.