The Government of West Bengal issues notification under Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 in view of Durga Puja

Labour Department vide Notification No. Labr./909/(LC-IR)/22013/56/2019 dated 5^th September 2024 makes an appeal to all employees and employers covered under Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 (the “1965 Act”) to stick to the following guidelines among others while setting the legitimate dues of the workers in respect of payment of bonus in view of ensuing Durga Puja, 2024:

1.  All establishment where bonus was paid in the previous year are requested to see that the rate of bonus payable this year is not lower than that of the last year. In case of dispute the same may be settled amicably by negotiations. Further the employers are requested to consider payment of ex-gratia in lieu of bonus for the employees who have crossed the eligibility limit as per the 1965 Act.
2. All employees whether casual or re-employed after retirement or employed through contractors and have worked for not less than 30 days during the year should be paid bonus.
3. All payments of bonus should be completed by 30^th September 2024 i.e. before commencement of Durga Puja, 2024.
4. Government has noted with concern that in many cases in previous years, employees of IT establishments, hotels and restaurants, shops and establishment, security workers and some workers in jute mills did not get any bonus. It is hoped that the situation will not be similar this year.