The Government of West Bengal on March 21st 2025 has officially issued a notification regarding the payment of the Eid-ul-Fitre Bonus for the year 2025 to Muslim workers across the state.
The Governor of West Bengal has made a formal appeal to all employers and employees covered under the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, as amended by the Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Act, 2015, to adhere to specific guidelines for the payment of bonuses.
Key Highlights of the Notification:
Flexible Approach: Employers are encouraged to adopt a flexible attitude, ensuring bonus payments align with statutory provisions.
Consistency in Bonus Rates: Establishments that paid bonuses in the previous year must ensure the current year’s bonus rate is not lower. In case of disputes, amicable negotiations are encouraged.
Inclusion of All Workers: Bonuses must be paid to all employees, including casual workers, retired re-employed personnel, and contract workers who have worked for at least 30 days during the year.
Clearing Past Dues: Employers with pending bonus payments from previous years are urged to clear these dues alongside the current year’s payments.
Role of Trade Unions and Employers’ Organizations: Both entities are urged to cooperate in maintaining industrial peace and resolving disputes peacefully.
Addressing Previous Shortcomings: The government has noted concerns over bonus payments in sectors like IT, Hotels & Restaurants, Shops & Establishments, Security Services, and jute mills. This year, a better situation is expected.
Deadline for Payment: All bonus payments to Muslim employees/workers must be completed before Eid-ul-Fitre 2025, as per Finance (Audit) Department’s directive No. 1023-F (P2) dated 18.03.2025.
Public Sector Participation: Employers, including public sector undertakings, are expected to comply fully with the appeal.
Unorganized Sector Coverage: The government appeals to employers in the unorganized sector to also pay bonuses or ex-gratia payments to Muslim workers before Eid-ul-Fitre 2025, even though they are not covered under the Payment of Bonus Act.
This move aims to promote goodwill, ensure timely financial support to workers, and strengthen industrial relations across the state ahead of the festive season.
