Productivity-linked bonus for festive season 2026: AIPEU seeks early PLB announcement, writes to DoP

In a letter addressed to the Secretary, Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan, dated September 11, the union's General Secretary Naresh Gupta pointed out that the festival calendar this year falls early, leaving little time for the government to act.

"It is submitted that this year, Durgotsav will commence from 17th October, Dussehra will be observed on 20th October, and Diwali will be celebrated on 8th November. Only 1 month is left before the beginning of the festive season," the letter stated.

The union's central grievance is one familiar to central government employees: the bonus announcement has repeatedly come at the last minute.

"It has been experienced of the staff that the announcement of bonus is often made just on the eve of festivals or sometimes even after the commencement of the festivals," Gupta wrote, adding that "this delay causes immense hardship to the employees in managing their social obligations, family commitments, and traditional rituals during the festive period."

The union has asked the Secretary to personally intervene and ensure that the bonus is sanctioned well before the festivals begin.

"In view of above this Union request yourself to kindly intervene the matter and arrange to allowance with bonus well in time much before the commencement of the forthcoming festivals," the letter said, while expressing confidence that the Department would "treat this sensitive matter with utmost priority and ensure timely relief to the workforce."

A copy of the communication has also been marked to the DDG (SR & Legal), Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan.

The Productivity Linked Bonus is an annual payout linked to the performance of the postal department and is a significant component of the earnings of Group 'C' employees, particularly postmen, postal assistants and multi-tasking staff, in the run-up to Diwali.

The union has urged the Department to consider the festive rush among lakhs of postal employees, many of whom handle the sharp spike in parcel and mail traffic during the season even as they prepare for their own celebrations at home.

No official response from the Department of Posts was immediately available on when the PLB for 2025-26 is likely to be declared.