Postal Bonus 2025-26: Employees Seek PLB Payment Before Durga Puja; Check Rs 21,000 Bonus Ceiling Demand

Postal employees have sought the release of their Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for 2025-26 before the Durga Puja festive period, with the Joint Council of Postal Employees (JCPE) asking the Department of Posts to make the payment by October 17. The request was submitted to the Postal Department on September 26, ahead of Durga Puja on October 17 and Dussehra on October 21.

Postal Bonus 2025-26: Employees Seek Payment Before October 17

The demand is aimed at ensuring that eligible postal staff receive the annual bonus before festival-related expenses rise. Employees and their families often plan purchases, travel and other financial commitments around the expected bonus, making the timing of the payment particularly important.

However, the 2025-26 PLB has not yet been officially approved or ordered. The Department of Posts is yet to issue the formal notification, which will determine the final amount, eligibility and payment schedule. Therefore, October 17 is currently the date sought by employee representatives and not a confirmed government payment date.

Postal Employees Are Raising Rs 7,000 Issue

Along with the immediate payment demand, employee bodies are seeking a change in the wage ceiling used to calculate bonus. Under the current provision cited by the staff organisations, where an eligible employee earns more than Rs 7,000 a month, the bonus calculation is based on Rs 7,000 or the Central Government minimum wage, whichever is higher.

The issue gained attention after the Ministry of Labour and Employment issued a notification on August 25 under the Code on Wages, 2019. The provision stated that the bonus calculation would use Rs 7,000 or the applicable Central Government minimum wage, whichever is higher, and was made effective from November 21, 2025.

Employee representatives argue that the Rs 7,000 figure does not adequately reflect current wage levels. The Staff Side of the National Council-Joint Consultative Machinery has therefore sought an increase in the bonus calculation ceiling to Rs 21,000, citing the Central Government minimum wage of Rs 21,000.

Central Govt Employees Bonus: Rs 21,000 Ceiling Demand May Raise Payout For Eligible Staff

The immediate payment request concerns eligible postal employees covered by the Productivity Linked Bonus system. The broader demand for a higher calculation ceiling could have implications for eligible central government employees across departments if the government accepts the proposal.

A higher calculation base could increase the bonus payable to eligible employees, but the Rs 21,000 figure remains an employee-side demand and has not been approved by the government.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations expressed are solely those of the individual analysts or entities and do not reflect the views of Goodreturns.in or Greynium Information Technologies Private Limited (together referred as "we"). We do not guarantee, endorse or take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or reliability of any content, nor do we provide any investment advice or solicit the purchase or sale of securities. All information is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should be independently verified from licensed financial advisors before making any investment decisions.