A Dishonorable Gift
The West Central Railway is currently embroiled in a scandal involving the fraudulent composition of retirement coins intended for its employees. The Chief
Public Relations Officer, Harshit Srivastava, confirmed that irregularities were uncovered during testing. The railway officials reported that the remaining coins are being seized, the supplier, M/s Viable Diamonds, based in Indore, has been blacklisted, and an FIR has been registered in Bhopal. A joint investigation has commenced, and further action will be determined upon its completion. These coins, originally described as gold-plated silver, were meant to commemorate years of service. However, lab tests revealed the true composition, shattering the sentimental value and sparking outrage among retirees.
False Promises
The affected coins were procured by the West Central Railway's General Stores Depot in Bhopal. The purchase order was issued on January 23, 2023, to an Indore-based firm for 3,640 coins. In total, 3,631 coins were delivered with an inspection certificate from RITES. Each coin, weighing 20 grams, was supposed to be crafted from silver and plated with gold. The cost per coin ranged between Rs 2,000 and Rs 2,200. This financial aspect, coupled with the emotional impact, underscores the gravity of the situation. The initial suspicion and subsequent testing led to the shocking revelation that these so-called silver coins were, in fact, almost entirely copper, containing only 0.23% silver. The railway officials estimated a potential loss of approximately Rs 2,200 per coin, translating into a multi-crore scam.
Betrayal of Trust
The incident has provoked deep disappointment and feelings of betrayal among the retirees. For many, these coins were more than just tokens; they represented years of dedication and service to the railway. TK Gautam, a former Chief Loco Inspector, expressed his sentiments, considering the coin a symbol of his lifetime commitment. Hasrat Jahan, who retired from the Bhopal Coach Factory in January 2025 after 36 years, shared her pain, stating that she kept her coin in her drawing room, believing it was 99% silver. She said she felt betrayed, highlighting how the Railways had filed an FIR, confirming the coins were made of copper. The incident signifies a serious breach of trust. The consequences extend beyond financial implications. The incident undermines the dignity and the reliability of the institution, and it has cast a shadow over the honor of dedicated employees.
Investigation Unfolds
Following concerns about the quality of the coins, the Railway Vigilance Department initiated testing. Reports from an NABL-accredited lab and a government laboratory confirmed that the coins were predominantly made of copper. This led to immediate actions including the seizure of remaining coins. Additionally, the supplier was blacklisted, and an FIR was filed in Bhopal. Railway officials are now conducting a joint investigation to uncover the full extent of the fraud and hold those responsible accountable. The case raises serious questions about the railway's procurement processes, quality control measures, and the overall management of employee recognition programs. The outcome of the investigation is crucial for restoring the trust of the retirees and ensuring such incidents are prevented in the future.
