Central government employees within the Postal Department are mounting pressure on authorities to disburse festive financial support ahead of major autumn celebrations. The Joint Council of Postal Employees (JCPE)—representing an umbrella organization of seven postal unions—has formally written to the Secretary of the Department of Posts, demanding that the Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for the 2025-26 financial year be credited to eligible workers by October 17, 2026.
Timing the Payout Ahead of Major Autumn Festivals
With nationwide celebrations approaching, postal unions emphasize that timely financial assistance is crucial for households managing festive expenses:
Festival Calendar: Durga Puja begins on October 17, followed closely by Dussehra on October 21 and Diwali on November 8, 2026.
The JCPE Appeal: In their official communication dated September 26, 2026, employee representatives stressed that household expenditures spike significantly during this peak festive window, making advance bonus disbursements necessary.
Push for a Major Wage Ceiling Hike Under the 8th Pay Commission
Beyond the timeline for festive payouts, employee organizations are pressing for structural reforms in how bonuses are calculated:
Current Calculation Rules: Under Ministry of Labor and Employment guidelines issued pursuant to the Code on Wages, bonuses for employees earning above ₹7,000 are currently calculated using a ₹7,000 ceiling or the central minimum wage, whichever is higher.
The NC-JCM Demand: The staff side of the National Council-Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) has petitioned the Cabinet Secretary to raise the bonus calculation limit from ₹7,000 to ₹21,000.
Tripling the Bonus Base: Because the central government’s revised framework contemplates minimum wages up to ₹21,000 per month, employee unions argue that the bonus calculation ceiling must be revised upward immediately. If approved, this change would effectively triple the bonus base for central and postal workers, resulting in a substantial financial boost during the festive season.