A multimillion-rupee scandal has prompted Indian Railways to kill off its iconic retirement medal program after 20 years. The gold-plated silver coins, once a staple farewell gift, are no more, thanks to a Bhopal fraud that exposed gross quality lapses.
On January 28, 2026, Principal Executive Director Renu Sharma formalized the scrapping via board order, effective for retirees from January 31. Launched in March 2006, the tradition distributed thousands of 20-gram medals as service emblems.
Probe findings were explosive: silver purity at 0.23%, making them counterfeits. Railways responded aggressively—FIR lodged, supplier facing blacklist, and stocks redirected for alternative uses.
This saga spotlights vulnerabilities in supply chains for government souvenirs. The medals, long cherished in ceremonies, now symbolize deceit. Officials stress fiscal prudence and ethical standards as drivers.
Reactions vary: veterans mourn the ritual’s demise, while reformers hail it as progress. Looking ahead, Railways may innovate with eco-friendly or digital honors, aligning with contemporary values. This pivot not only closes a chapter but signals robust oversight in an organization employing over a million.