Postal Unions Seek Early Productivity-Linked Bonus Ahead of Durga Puja; Here's Why
Postal unions have requested the Government to release the 2025-26 Productivity Linked Bonus before Durga Puja on October 17, while pushing to raise the bonus wage calculation ceiling from INR 7,000 to INR 21,000. Union leaders noted that the requested timeline coincides with the onset of Durga Puja festivities, aiming to help employees manage heightened household expenses during the festive period
Postal employee federations have formally requested the Department of Posts under the Government of India to disburse the Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for the 2025–26 financial year before Durga Puja, urging the government to release payments before October 17. The appeal comes alongside broader labour advocacy efforts by central government employee organisations seeking a comprehensive overhaul of bonus calculation ceilings ahead of upcoming pay commission deliberations.
Demand for Pre-Festival Disbursement
The Joint Council of Postal Employees (JCPE) - an umbrella organisation representing major postal unions - addressed a formal representation to the Secretary of the Department of Posts, requesting that the 2025–26 PLB be credited to eligible personnel by October 17, reports Livemint. DA Hike Full List 2026: Check State-Wise Dearness Allowance and Relief Updates for Employees and Pensioners.
Union leaders noted that the requested timeline coincides with the onset of Durga Puja festivities, aiming to help employees manage heightened household expenses during the festive period. The Department of Posts has not yet issued the official notification or schedule for the annual PLB release.
Push for Higher Calculation Ceilings
In tandem with demands for timely festive payouts, employee bodies are lobbying for structural changes to how bonuses are computed. Following recent notifications under the Code on Wages, employee federations - including representations via the National Council-Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) - have urged the Cabinet Secretary to raise the wage calculation ceiling from INR 7,000 to INR 21,000. 8th Pay Commission News: NC-JCM and BPMS Demand up to INR 72,000 Minimum Basic Pay and 6% Annual Increments.
Labour representatives argue that the long-standing INR 7,000 notional ceiling fails to reflect contemporary pay structures and minimum wage benchmarks. While immediate discussions focus on securing the 2025–26 festival payout timelines, employee unions intend to press for long-term calculation reforms as part of ongoing submissions to the 8th Central Pay Commission.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 29, 2026 02:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
