Raising of Bonus Payment Ceiling to the Central Government Employees

                                                                                                                                                                    Raising of Bonus Payment Ceiling to the Central Government Employees                                 

                    Ph.:  23382286

National Council (Staff Side)

Joint  Consultative Machinery

For Central Government Employees

13-C, Ferozshah Road New Delhi – 110001

E Mail : nc.jcm.np@gmail.com

Shiva Gopal Mishra

Secretary

No. NC-JCM-2015/S.C

January 11,2015

The Secretary

Government of India

Department of Expenditure

North Block, New Delhi- 110 001

Subject: - Raising of Bonus Payment Ceiling to the Central Government   Employees.

Reference: - The payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill 2015. 

Sir,

The  Payment   of  Bonus  (Amendment)    Bill  2015  was  passed  by both  the  houses  of the Parliament. The amendment   provides that the existing Ceiling limit of Bonus for 30 days Rs. 3,500/- is enhanced   to Rs. 7,000/- for 30 days.  This amendment   will take effect  from 01.04.2014 (A  copy  of the Bill  passed  in the Parliament   is enclosed   for your  kind  ready reference).

You  are  aware  that  any  change   in Bonus  Act  would  be  an  indicator   while  deciding  the Payment  of Bonus  to the Central  Government   Employees.   Accordingly,   every time when Bonus Act   is amended    raising   the payment   ceiling   limit,   it   is extended   to   Central Government   Employees   also.  This issue was also raised by the Staff Side in the Standing Committee   Meeting of National  Council  (JCM) held on 09th October, 2015.

It  is  therefore   requested   that  steps   may  be  taken  for  issuing   Government    Orders   for enhancing the Bonus  Payment   Ceiling  limit of Central  Government    Employees   both PLB and Adhoc Bonus to Rs. 7,000/-  w.e.f  01.04.2014  and arrears of PLB and Adhoc Bonus for the year 2014-2015  may be paid to the employees.

An earlier and favorable   action is solicited.

Thanking you,  

Yours Sincerely,

Sd/-

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)

Secretary

Source : http://confederationhq.blogspot.in/

Changes in the Payment of Bonus Act will benefit thousands of CG employees

Changes in the Payment of Bonus Act will benefit thousands of CG employees

The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015 notified:Increase in the Eligibility Limit under clause (13) of Section 2 and Calculation Ceiling under Section 12 of the Payment of Bonus Act, 2015

The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015 was passed by the Parliament in the just concluded Winter Session of the Parliament. The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Act, 2015 has been published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary on 1st January, 2016 as Act No. 6 of 2016. The provisions of the Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Act, 2015 shall be deemed to have come into force on the 1st day of April, 2014.

The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Act, 2015 envisages enhancement of eligibility limit under section 2(13) from Rs.10,000/- per month to Rs.21,000/- per month and Calculation Ceiling under section 12 from Rs. 3500 to Rs.7000 or the minimum wage for the scheduled employment, as fixed by the appropriate Government, whichever is higher. The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Act, 2015 also mandates previous publication of draft subordinate legislations, framed under the enabling provisions under the said Act, in the Official Gazette for inviting objections and suggestions before their final notification.

The Government has been receiving representations from trade unions for removal of all ceilings under the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965. It is also one of the demands made by them during the country-wide General Strike held in February, 2013 and September, 2015. As the last revision in these two ceilings were made in the year 2007 and was made effective from the 1st April, 2006, it was decided by the Government to make appropriate amendments to the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965.

These changes in the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 will benefit thousands of work force.

Source: PIB News

Payment of Bonus Act Amendment Gazette Notification Order

Payment of Bonus Act Amendment Gazette Notification

The Gazette of India

EXTRAORDINARY

PART II — Section 1

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

No. 6] NEW DELHI, FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2016/PAUSHA 11, 1937 (SAKA)

Separate paging is given to this Part in order that it may be filed as a separate compilation.

MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE

(Legislative Department)

New Delhi, the 1st January, 2016/Pausha 11, 1937 (Saka)

THE PAYMENT OF BONUS (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2015

NO. 6 OF 2016

[31st December, 2015.]

An Act further to amend the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-sixth Year of the Republic of India as follows:—

1. (1) This Act may be called the Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Act, 2015.

(2) It shall be deemed to have come into force on the 1st day of April, 2014.

2. In section 2 of the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 (hereinafter referred to as the principal Act), in clause (13), for the words ‘‘ten thousand rupees’’, the words ‘‘twenty-one thousand rupees’’ shall be substituted.

3. In section 12 of the principal Act,—

(i) for the words ‘‘three thousand and five hundred rupees’’ at both the places where they occur, the words ‘‘seven thousand rupees or the minimum wage for the scheduled employment, as fixed by the appropriate Government, whichever is higher’’ shall respectively be substituted;

(ii) the following Explanation shall be inserted at the end, namely:—

‘Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, the expression ‘‘scheduled employment’’ shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in clause (g) of section 2 of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.’.

4. In section 38 of the principal Act, for sub-section (1), the following sub-section shall be substituted, namely:—

‘‘(1) The Central Government may, subject to the condition of previous publication, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules to carry out the provisions of this Act.’’.

DR. G. NARAYANA RAJU,

Secretary to the Govt. of India.

Authority: http://egazette.nic.in/

Click the order

Bonus Arrears to be Paid on Account of Increase in Bonus Calculation Ceiling with Effect from April 2014

Bonus Arrears to be Paid on Account of Increase in Calculation Ceiling with Effect from April 2014

Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill 2015 to increase the Bonus Calculation Ceiling and eligibility ceiling has been Passed in Lok Shabha yesterday.

As per the provisions of Bonus bill the Bonus Calculation ceiling has to be raised from 3500 to 7000 and eligibility ceiling of wage from 10000 to 21000 per month. Earlier Cabinet gave its approval for this Bonus bill and said it will be come into effect from 1.4.2015 after passed in Parliament.

Now Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said while moving an official amendment to the Bill, ”The Prime Minister spoke to me and asked why should the benefits of this Act should accrue to workers from 2015, it should made available from the April 2014″.

It is really very good news for entire working class, since it is coming into force with effect from 1st April 2014. Due to this retrospective effect of Bonus Act 1.4.2014, double the amount of Bonus has to be paid for the year 2014-2015.

Click to read continue…

Bonus calculation ceiling revised from April 2014 – Arrears of bonus likely!

Bonus calculation ceiling revised from April 2014 – Arrears of bonus likely!

LS passes Bonus Bill; benefits to accrue from April 2014

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed a bill allowing doubling of wage ceiling for calculating bonus to Rs 7,000 per month for factory workers with establishments with 20 or more workers, with the benefits being applicable retrospectively from April 2014.

The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015, was passed by a voice vote, with some members objecting to the raising of eligibility limit for payment of bonus from a salary of Rs 10,000 per month to Rs 21,000.

Replying to a debate on the legislation, Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said the Government has ensured that the interest of workers are protected and there is no infringement on their justifys.

“Because of Bihar Elections this bill got delayed… The Prime Minister spoke to me and asked why should the benefits of this Act should accrue to workers from 2015. It should be made available from the April 2014,” he said while moving an official amendment to the Bill.

The official amendment provides that the benefits of the Act would be deemed to have come into force on April 1, 2014, instead of April 1, 2015.

Dattatreya said the Ministry has held 21 tripartite meetings with all central trade unions while arriving at a decision.

The Bill provides for enhancing monthly bonus calculation ceiling to Rs 7,000 per month from the existing Rs 3,500.

It also seeks to enhance the eligibility limit for payment of bonus from Rs 10,000 per month to Rs 21,000 per month.

“The Government’s paramount intention is to safeguard the interest of workers… There is no infringement of workers’ justifys and whatever the government does will be in the interest of workers,” Dattatreya said.

After the bill was passed, Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, who was in the Chair, said the government should be congratulated for bringing the measure as also for effecting the benefits retrospectively.

Source: DDI News

Central Govt to propose higher ceiling limits for payment of Bonus

Central Govt to propose higher ceiling limits for payment of Bonus 

Changes under Bonus Act

Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, the Minister of State (IC) for Ministry Labour and Employment in reply to a question in Lok Sabha today stated that there is a proposal to increase the eligibility limit and calculation ceiling under the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965.

The minimum wage in the country may not be comparable to those of developed countries owing to differences in exchange rates, purchasing power parity of local currencies, etc. Also under the provisions of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, both Central and State Governments are appropriate Governments to fix, review and revise the minimum wages of the workers employed in the scheduled employment under their respective jurisdictions. As regards minimum wages in States, there is disparity due to variations in socio-economic and agro-climatic conditions, income, prices of essential commodities, paying capacity, productivity and local conditions. However, as per the available information, a statement showing the range of rates of minimum wages in all the States/Union Territories is enlisted here.

Category wise Range of Minimum Rates of Wages in All States as on 01.12.2015.

* Data is yet to be received. Figures indicate rates of wages as on 31.12.2013

The minimum wages shown for unskilled category for the state of Assam and West Bengal do not include the rates for Tea plantation. However, the rate of Tea Plantation in Tamil Nadu and Kerala are higher than the minimum for unskilled category.

Source: PIB News

Payment of Productivity Linked Bonus at revised calculation of Rs. 7000 – NFIR writes to Railway Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu

Payment of Productivity Linked Bonus at revised calculation of Rs. 7000 – NFIR writes to Railway Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu

Payment of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) to the Railway employees at revised calculation of Rs. 7000/- p.m.- GS/NFIR WRITES TO MINISTER OF RAILWAYS

NFIR

National Federation of Indian Railways

No. I/10/Part IV

Dated: 21/10/2015

Shri Suresh Prabhu,

Hon’ble Minister for Railways.

Railway Bhavan,

New Delhi

Respected Sir,

Sub: Paymenl of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) to the Railway employees at revised calculation of Rs. 7000/- p.m.-reg.

Ref: (i) Item No. 4 of 55 Point Charter of Demands of NFIR.

(ii) NFIR’s letter No. I/10/Part IV dated 08/09/2015 & 07/10/2015 addressed to Hon’ble MR.

(iii) Railway Board’s letter No.E.(P&A)ll-2015PLB-4 dated 07/10/2015.

Kind attention is invited to NFIR’s communication dated 08/09/2015 to the Hon’ble MR to take action for removal of calculation ceiling of Rs. 3500/- p.m. for payment of PL Bonus to the Railway employees in view of Government’s announcement dated 1st September 2015 for relaxing calculation ceiling limit to Rs. 7000/- p.m.

Now the Union Cabinet in its meeting held on October 21, 2015 has decided to amend the Bonus Act, 1965 for enhancing the calculation ceiling from Rs. 3500/- to Rs. 7000/-.

NFIR, therefore, requests to kindly see that Railway employees are paid P.L. Bonus with revised calculation ceiling of Rs. 7000/- p.m.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

sd/-

(Dr.M.Ragavaiah)

General Secretary

Source : NFIR

Central Government approves hike in bonus ceiling from Rs. 3500 to Rs 7000

Central Government approves hike in bonus ceiling from Rs. 3500 to Rs 7000

NEW DELHI: The Cabinet decided to double the wage ceiling for calculating bonus to Rs 7,000 per month for factory workers and establishments with 20 or more workers.

“The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to enhance the monthly bonus calculation ceiling to Rs 7,000 per month from existing Rs 3,500 was approved by Union Cabinet here,” a source said after the Cabinet meeting.

The amendment bill will be made effective from April 1, 2015. Now the bill will be tabled in Parliament for approval.

The bill also seeks to enhance the eligibility limit for payment of bonus from the salary or wage of an employee from Rs 10,000 per month to Rs 21,000.

The Payment of Bonus Act 1965 is applicable to every factory and other establishment in which 20 or more persons are employed on any day during an accounting year.

The bill also provides for a new proviso in Section 12 which empowers the central government to vary the basis of computing bonus.

At present, under Section 12, where the salary or wage of an employee exceeds Rs 3,500 per month, the minimum or maximum bonus payable to employees are calculated as if his salary or wage were Rs 3,500 per month.

The last amendment to both the eligibility limit and the calculation ceilings under the said Act was carried out in 2007 and was made effective from April 1, 2006.

This amendment in the Act to increase wage ceiling and bonus calculation ceiling was one of ssurances given by the Centre after 10 central trade unions went on one-day strike on September 2.

The government had hinted at meeting workers’ aspirations on nine out of 12 demands submitted by the unions.

Source : AIRF

Bonus Orders 2015 : Grant of Ad-hoc Bonus to CG Employees for the year 2014-15

Bonus Orders 2015 : Grant of Ad-hoc Bonus to Central Government Employees for the year 2014-15

Finance Ministry issued orders today regarding Non-Productivity Linked Bonus (Ad-hoc Bonus) for Central Government Empoyees for the year 2014-15.

Grant of Non-Productivity Linked Bonus (Ad-hoc Bonus) to the Central Government Employees for the year 2014-15

No.7/24/2007/E III (A)

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Expenditure

E III (A) Branch

New Delhi, the October 16, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: – Grant of Non-Productivity Linked Bonus (ad-hoc bonus) to Central Government Employees for the year 2014-15.

The undersigned is directed to convey the sanction of the President to the grant of Non-Productivity Linked Bonus (Ad-hoo Bonus) equivalent to 30 days emoluments for the accounting year 2014-15 to the Central Government employees in Groups ‘C’ and ‘D’ and all non-gazetted employees in Group ‘B’, who are not covered by any Productivity Linked Bonus Scheme. The calculation ceiling for payment of ad-hoc Bonus under these orders shall continue to be monthly emoluments of Rs. 3500/-, as hitherto. The payment of ad-hoc Bonus under these orders will also be admissible to the eligible employees of Central Para Military Forces and Armed Forces. The orders will be deemed to be extended to the employees of Union Territory Administration which follow the Central Government pattern of emoluments and are not covered by any other bonus or ex-gratia scheme.

2. The benefit will be admissible subject to the following terms and conditions:-

    (i) Only those employees who were in service as on 31.3.2015 and have rendered at least six months of continuous service during the year 2014-15 will be eligible for payment under these orders. Pro-rata payment will be admissible to the eligible employees for period of continuous service during the year from six months to a full year, the eligibility period being taken in terms of number of months of service (rounded off to the nearest number of months);

    (ii) The quantum of Non-PLB (ad-hoc bonus) will be worked out on the basis of average emoluments/calculation ceiling whichever is lower. To calculate Non-PLB (Ad-hoc bonus) for one day, the average emoluments in a year will be divided by 30.4 (average number of days in a month). This will thereafter be multiplied by the number of days of bonus granted. To illustrate, taking the calculation ceiling of monthly emoluments of Rs. 3500 (where actual average emoluments exceed Rs. 3500/-, Non-PLB (Ad-hoc Bonus) for thirty days would work out to Rs. 3500×30/30.4=Rs.3453.95 (rounded off to Rs.345%)

    (iii) The casual labour who have worked in offices following a 6 days week for at least 240 days for each year for 3 years or more (206 days in each year for 3 years or more in the case of offices observing 5 days week), will be eligible for this Non-PLB (Ad-hoc Bonus) Payment. The amount of Non-PLB (ad-hoc bonus) payable will be (Rs.12oox30/30.4 i.e.Rs.1184.21 (rounded off to Rs.1184/). In cases where the actual emoluments fall below Rs.1200/- pm, the amount will be calculated on actual monthly emoluments.

    (iv) All payments under these orders will be rounded off to the nearest rupee.

    (v) The clarificatory orders issued vide this Ministry’s OM No.F.14 (10)-E. Coord/88 dated 4.10.1988, as amended from time to time, would hold good.

3. The expenditure on this account will be debitable to the respective Heads to which the pay and allowances of these employees are debited.

4. The expenditure to be incurred on account of Non-PLB (Ad-hoc Bonus) is to be met from within the sanctioned budget provision of concerned Ministries/Departments for the current year.

5. In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department are concerned, these orders are issued in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

(Amar Nath Singh)

Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India

Authority: www.finmin.nic.in

Click to view the order in Hindi and English

Bonus 2015 - Advance against the Productivity Linked Bonus admissible for the employees of ESI Corporation

Payment of advance against the Productivity Linked Bonus admissible for the employees of ESI Corporation – 2014-15 – regarding

HEADQUARTERS OFFICE

EMPLOYEES’ STATE INSURANCE CORPORATION,

PANCHDEEP BHAWAN, CIG MARG, NEW DELHI-2

WEBSITE: wwvv.esic.nic.in IPh.-Oll-23234092.

NO.G-31/11/1/2005 – E.III

Dated: 15.10.2015

MEMORANDUM

Sub: Payment of advance against the Productivity Linked Bonus admissible for the employees of ESI Corporation – 2014-15 – regarding.

Approval of the Competent Authority is hereby communicated for the payment of advance against the Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) equal to 60 (Sixty) days’ wages subject to the maximum of RS.7000/- (rupees seven thousand only) to the employees of the Corporation for the year 2014-15. The payment of the advance is subject to the condition that an undertaking (in the enclosed proforma) to the effect that “the advance will be adjusted against the PLB due for the year 2014-15 and any excess payment detected towards PLB for the year 2014-15 would be refunded forthwith“, shall be submitted by each eligible employee. The payment of advance is subject to the same terms and conditions that are applicable to the grant of PLB and are appended.

Payment of advance against bonus to adhoc employees and those who superannuated or retired on invalidation on medical grounds or died while in service before the last working day of February of the relevant year will be governed by the instruction issued by this office Memo. No, G-31/1 1/1/86-E.11Idated 02..03-1988, No. V-37/1 1/1/81 – E.III dated 22-02-1988 and No,G-31/11/1/88 – E.III dated 10-07-1989.

The Drawing and Disbursing Officer of the respective Regional Office/Sub-Regional Office may draw the advance aqainst the PLB in respect of staff working in outstation Branch Offices also for presentation to J.D. (F)/O. D. (F) concerned.

The Joint Director (Fin.)/Dy. Director (Fin.) will honour the bills submitted by the DDO and pay the proceeds under the existing procedure in the respective Regions/Sub-Regions.

The amount of advance against the PLB for the year 2014-15 may be paid to the eligible employees by 16.10.2015 under intimation to this office. The number of such employees who have been paid the advance may also be intimated. In case it is not possible to credit the advance amount into the bank J.Vcof the individual employee on 16.10.2015, cash payment of advance may be considered on specific request of the employee to alleviate hardship.

Hindi version will follow.

(S.K.SINHA)

DIRECTOR

Authority: www.esic.nic.in

Click to read the terms of conditions of payment of pl bonus

Bonus Orders 2015 : 60 Days Productivity Linked Bonus for Postal Department Employees

Bonus Orders 2015 : 60 Days Productivity Linked Bonus for Postal Department Employees

Postal Employees to get 60 days wages as bonus – Orders issued by Department of Posts

The payment of Productivity Linked Bonus for the accounting year 2014-15 equivalent of emoluments of 60 (sixty) Days to the employees of Department of Posts in Group ‘D’/MTS, Group ‘C’ and non-gazetted Group ‘B’Ex-Gratia payment of bonus to Gramin Dak Sevaks who are regularly appointed after observing all appointment formalities, and Ad-hoc payment of bonus to Casual labourers who have been conferred Temporary Status are also to be paid equivalent to allowances / wages respectively for 60 (sixty) Days for the same period.

Click to view the Bonus Orders for Postal Employees

Bonus Orders 2015 : 78 Days Bonus for Railway Employees cleared by Cabinet today

Bonus 2015 : Cabinet approved 78 Days for Railway Employees

CENTRAL GOVERNMENT TODAY HAS ANNOUNCED 78 DAYS BONUS TO RAILWAY EMPLOYEES.

DECISION HAS BEEN TAKEN IN A CABINET MEETING HELD TODAY AT NEW DELHI.

CEILING REMAINS SAME i.e. Rs. 3500/-

78 days wages approved as Productivity Linked Bonus for the year 2014-15 to Railway Employees

The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal of the Ministry of Railways for payment of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) equivalent to 78 days wages for the financial year 2014-15 for all eligible non-gazetted railway employees. The wage ceiling for payment of PLB fixed at Rs. 3500/- per month.

NFIR - Fake news is being communicated regarding PL Bouns

Fake news is being communicated regarding PL Bouns – NFIR

NFIR

National Federation of Indian Railwaymen

3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI – 110 055

No.I/10/Pt. IV

Dated: 06-10-2015

MESSAGE

It is reported that fake news is being communicated regarding PL Bouns. It is requested not to trust the same.

sd/-

(Dr M.Raghavaiah)

General Secretary

Copy to General Secretaries of affiliated Unions of NFIR.

Copy t Media Centre/NFIR

Source: NFIR

Bonus 2015: Breaking News on Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) by AIRF

Bonus 2015: Breaking News on Productivity Linked Bonus by AIRF

Breaking News on PLB

The proposal to give Productivity Linked bonus to railwaymen is likely to come up today at the Cabinet meeting, this was told by highly placed sources.

If the Cabinet decides today about 13 lakh railway employees will get Productivity Linked Bonus this month. Productivity-linked bonus is paid to railway employees each year before the Dussehra festival.

Source: AIRF

Bonus Orders 2015 – Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) Order for 40 days for the civilians of Indian Navy

Bonus Orders 2015 – Productivity Linked Bonus Order for 40 days for the civilians of Indian Navy

No.20(4)12014/D(JCM)

Government of India

Ministry of Defence

New Delhi, dated the 21st September, 2015

To

The Chief of the Naval Staff,

New Delhi.

Subject: Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for the civilian employees of the EME for the Year 2014-15.

Sir,

I am directed to refer to the Productivity Linked Bonus Scheme already circulated vide this Ministry’s letter No.F.24(8)/80/D(JCM) dated 28th September, 1983, as amended from time to time, and to convey the sanction of President to the payment of 40 days (forty days) wages in cash as PLB for the year 2014-15 to the eligible civilian employees of Indian Navy.

2. The entitlement has been worked out on the basis of the working results for the year 2014-15 in accordance with the agreed formula.

3. The PLB shall be paid to all eligible Gp. ‘B’ (Non-Gazetted), Gp. ‘C’ and Gp. ‘D’ civilian employees of Indian Navy who are covered under PLB Scheme for the accounting year 2014-15. The calculation ceiling of Rs.3500/- (3500×32/30.4) and other terms and conditions of the PLB Scheme will remain unchanged.

4. Productivity Linked Bonus to the casual labour will be paid at the assumed wages of Rs.1200/- p.m. (1200×32/30.4) for the accounting year 2014-15. However, in cases where the actual wages fall below Rs.1200/- pm, the amount will be calculated on the actual monthly wages. The other conditions remain unchanged.

5. The expenditure on this account will be debitable to Defence Services Estimates under respective Heads to which the pay and allowances of these employees are debited. The entire expenditure on the payment of PLB is to be met out of the sanctioned budget grant for the year 2015-16.

6. This issues with the concurrence of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) vide their ID. No. 17012/2015/E.111.(A) dated 15.9.2015 and MoD (Fin/AG/PB) vide their Dy. No. 141/AG/PB dated 18.9.2015.

Yours faithfully,

sd/-

(Amltava Saha)

Under Secretary to the Government of India.

Source: INDWF

Confusion on ceiling of bonus for CG employees continues...

Confusion on ceiling of bonus for Central Government employees continues

“Doubts and debates over the ceiling of Productivity Linked Bonus to Central Government employees this year continue to plague the minds.”

The word ‘Bonus’ continues to powerfully attract the employee communities.

Given once every year, bonus or honorarium could sometimes be even bigger than the monthly salaries.

But Central Government employees are given only small amounts as bonuses each year. With the highest prescribed ceiling limit fixed at Rs.3500, the bonus is calculated based on the number of days announced.

Last year, Railway employees were given bonuses of 78 days, employees of the postal department received 60 days’ bonus. Civilian employees of the defence were given a bonus of 40 days.

Employees of the public and private sectors wrongly assume that 60 days bonus implies tow months’ salary.

In simple terms, a 30 days bonus indicates a sum of Rs.3500 approximately. 60 days bonus implies that the worker will be given Rs.7000. in case of 75 days’ bonus, the worker makes Rs.8750. The amount is equal to one-fifth the salary of the employee.

In 2007, the calculation ceiling of bonus was increased from Rs.2500 to Rs.3500pm , and the eligibility limit for bonus was raised from Rs.3500 to Rs.10,000 pm. For a number of years, all federation of Central Government employees have been demanding that the calculation ceiling limit be raised from Rs.3500. You can see its impact on all the ‘Charter of Demands‘ presented by the federations to the government.

Recently, the Government requested the trade unions to withdraw their September 2 strike notice. During the negotiations that were held between the ministers and the trade union representatives, it was reported that the Government had accepted to raise the bonus ceiling limit from Rs.3500 to Rs.7000. Sources also said that the eligibility of bonus was raised from Rs.10,000 to Rs.20,000. But, no announcements in this regard were made by the Government.

Meanwhile, Shri Vijesh Upadhyay, the General Secretary of BMS, created quite a flutter with his letter. The letter mentioned the ceiling of bonus as Rs.10,000.

The Railway workers federation, NFIR, wrote a letter to the Railway Minister on September 8. The letter demanded that the ministry take action based on the bonus announcement issued by the authorized government information bureau, PIB, on September 1, 2015.

Unless the Government clarifies its stand in the bonus issue, the social media are going to overflow with false information, and some cooked up orders too. Since the information is being eagerly awaited, Central Government employees tend to get drawn to them and some are very likely to be misguided by these rumours.

Latest Bonus Orders 2015 – Productivity Linked Bonus Order for 28 days for the civilian employees of the EME for the year 2014 - 15

Bonus Orders 2015 – Productivity Linked Bonus Order for 28 days for the civilian employees of the EME

No.20(3)12014/D(JCM)

Government of India

Ministry of Defence

New Delhi, dated the 21st September, 2015

To
The Chief of the Army Staff,
New Delhi.

Subject: Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for the civilian employees of the EME for the Year 2014-15.

Sir,
I am directed to refer to the Productivity Linked Bonus Scheme already circulated vide this Ministry’s letter No.F.24(8)/80/D(JCM) dated 28th September, 1983, as amended from time to time, and to convey the sanction of President to the payment of 28 days (Twenty Eight days) wages in cash as PLB for the year 2014-15 to the eligible civilian employees of the EME

2. The entitlement has been worked out on the basis of the working results for the year 2014-15 in accordance with the agreed formula.

3. The PLB shall be paid to all eligible Gp. ‘B’ (Non-Gazetted), Gp. ‘C’ and Gp. ‘D’ civilian employees of the EME who are covered under PLB Scheme for the accounting year 2014-15. The calculation ceiling of Rs.3500/- (3500×32/30.4) and other terms and conditions of the PLB Scheme will remain unchanged.

4. Productivity Linked Bonus to the casual labour will be paid at the assumed wages of Rs.1200/- p.m. (1200×32/30.4) for the accounting year 2014-15. However, in cases where the actual wages fall below Rs.1200/- pm, the amount will be calculated on the actual monthly wages. The other conditions remain unchanged.

5. The expenditure on this account will be debitable to Defence Services Estimates under respective Heads to which the pay and allowances of these employees are debited. The entire expenditure on the payment of PLB is to be met out of the sanctioned budget grant for the year 2015-16.

6. This issues with the concurrence of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) vide their ID. No. 176998/E.111.A dated 15.9.2015 and MoD (Fin/AG/PB) vide their Dy. No. 141/AG/PB dated 18.9.2015.

Yours faithfully,

sd/-

(Amltava Saha)

Under Secretary to the Government of India.

Source: INDWF

Click to view the order

Page-2

Bonus Ceiling – NFIR writes to Railway Minister to remove of calculation ceiling for the purpose of payment of productivity Linked Bonus (PLB)

Bonus Ceiling – NFIR writes to Railway Minister to remove of calculation ceiling for the purpose of payment of productivity Linked Bonus (PLB)

Payment of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) – Removal of Calculation Ceiling

NFIR

National Federation of Indian Railwaymen

3,Chelmsford Road, New Delhi – 110 055

No.1/10/Part IV

Dated 08/09/2015

Shri Suresh Prabhu,
Hon’ble Minister for Railways
Railway Bhavan,
New Delhi.

Respected Sir,

Sub: Payment of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) – Removal of calculation ceiling – reg.

Ref: Item No.4 of 55 Point Charter of Demands of NFIR

Kind attention is invited to the announcement made by the Government of India, Ministry of Labour and Employment on 1st September 2015, conveyed through press Information Bureau, extract of item no.2 the subject reproduced below:-

For the purpose of bonus, the wage eligibility limit and calculation ceiling would be appropriately revised. It is proposed to revise the wage eligibility limit from Rs.10,000 to Rs.21,000 and calculation ceiling from Rs.3500 to Rs.7,000 or the minimum wage notified by the appropriate Government for that category of employment, whichever is higher, with the proposed revision of the minimum wages, the average calculation ceiling would be about Rs.10,000.

In the light of the Government’s announcement as mentioned above. NFIR requests the Hon’ble MR to kindly arrange to take action for removal of calculation ceiling for the purpose of payment of productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) to Railway employees. Incidentally it is mentioned that in the past, as and when the Government had revised the calculation ceiling, the Ministry of Railways have accordingly paid P.L. Bonus to employees.

Yours faithfully

sd/-

(Dr.M.Raghavaiah)

General Secretary

Source: NFIR

Bibek Debroy Committee and PLB Strike on 23.11.2015 issues discussed with Railway Ministry – NFIR

Debroy Committee, PLB and Strike on 23.11.2015 issues discussed with Railway Ministry – NFIR

MEETING WITH MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND THE FEDERATIONS ON 06th AUGUST 2015 REGARDING BIBEK DEBROY COMMITTEE, PLB ETC.,

NFIR

National Federation of Indian Railwaymen

3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI – 110 055

No.IV/NFIR/SR/2014/Pt.III (HLRRC)

Dated: 06/08/2015

Sub:

Meeting between the Federations (NFIR & AIRF) and Hon’ble Railway Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu – Rail Bhawan, New Delhi – 60th August,

2015.

A special meeting was held in the Chamber of Railway Minister, Shri Suresh Prahhu wherein the Presidents and General Secretaries of NFIR/AIRF have participated in the discussion. CRB, MS and ED (IR) were present during discussions.

Important issues discussed in the meeting

1. Bibek Debroy Committee Report

The Federations expressed their strong reservations on certain recommendations or High Level Railway Restructuring Committee (HLRRC) headed by Bibek Debroy, more particularly Railway Regulatory Authority (RRA), Private Players entry into the Railway services, Railway Medical services. RPF etc..

The Minister while appreciating the points raised bv the NFIR has directed the Railway Board (CRB/MS) to organise a separate meeting between Mr Debroy and the Federations for discussing the recommendations freely and frankly for the purpose of understanding each others perception, facilitating the Railway Ministry to appropriately consider further.

2. Productivity Linked Bonus to Railway employees

P.L. Bonus and the new formula floated by the Railway Board was discussed. Federations insisted thal the agreement reached on 22nd November, 1979 should be respected and no capital should be taken into consideration as the utilization or capital is not in the hands of workers.

After discussion, it was agreed to consider all points for sorting out the issues satisfactorily.

3. Charter of Demands and the decision of the JCM constituent organisations to go on Indefinite Strike from 23rd November, 2015.

The compelling circumstances under which the JCM constituent organisalions have taken a decision to go on indefinite strike and Railway Federations are party to the decision was explained to the Railway Minister. The Federations urged upon the Railway Minister to see that the Railway Ministry takes initiative towards reaching a negotiated settlement on pending issues and Charter of Demands. Issues, particularly upgradation of Apex Level Group ‘C’ posts to Group Gazetted. Act Apprentices. Non-implementation of agreement reached between the Federations and full Board on February, 2014. were brought to the notice of the Railway Minister.

After discussion, the MR has instructed the Board to deal with these issues for ensuring that healthy industrial relations are maintained with the Federations.

The Minister has been categorical in assuring the Federations that there is no question of privatization of Railways. The Minister also said that improved technology and improvement of efficiency levels will be given priority for making Indian Railwavs a dynamic infrastructure. He also complimented the rail work force for their devotion which has resulted in improvement of Operating Ratio.

Yours fraternally,

(Dr M. Raghavaiah)

General Secrctary

Source: NFIR

Bonus Issue – Report on detailed discussions and conclusions of 46th ILC

Bonus Issue – Report on detailed discussions and conclusions of 46th ILC

Removal of Conditions on payment Ceiling eligibility Limits, Decisions to pay Minimum Bonus without linking to loss when the performance indicator satisfy grant of bonus- The major conclusions emanating from the discussions in the committee are as follows:

The Conference committee on amendment of Bonus Act – Removal of Conditions on Payment Ceiling, Eligibility Limits. Decisions to pay Minimum Bonus without linking to loss when the performance indicator satisfy grant of bonus constituted to discuss the Agenda item No. 3 of 46th session of the Indian Labour Conference met under the chairmanship of Captain Abhimanyu, Minister of Labour, Govt. of Haryana. Shri Om Prakash Mittal, General Secretary, Laghu Udyog Bharti (LUB) and Ms. Meenakshi Gupta and Mr. B.B. Mallick, Joint Secretary, MoLE respectively were the Vice-Cheirman and Member Secretary of the Committee. The Committee had the representation of all the stake-holders (Workers’ Group, Employers’ Group and State Government).

2. At the very outset, the chairman of the committee welcomed all the representatives. He observed that the issue of bonus has been pending for long.

He expressed the hope that all the partners would understand and appreciate the position of each other and give recommendations keeping in the view the larger national interest. The Vice-Chairman also welcomed all the Members. Thereafter, the Member Secretary introduced the subject. The agenda has following 3 issues:-
(i) Removal of calculation ceiling;
(ii) Removal of Eligibility Limit; and
(iii) Decisions to pay Minimum Bonus without Linking to loss when the performance indicator satisfy grant of bonus.

3. It was mentioned that last revision in the limits (Calculation Ceiling – Rs. 3500 and Eligibility Limit-RS. 10,000) was done in 2007 based on the recommendations of the 41st ILC.

4. The committee had very intense detailed discussions on all the aspects of the Agenda Item no. 3.

(i) The Trade Unions were of the view that all the ceilings under the payment of Bonus Act. 1965 i.e. eligibility ceiling, calculation ceiling and maximum percent of bonus payable need to be removed. They further expressed that they would like to reiterate the stand taken by them in the tripartite meeting held on 20 October, 2014.

(ii) The Employers, representatives were of the view that total removal of various ceilings may lead to spurt in industrial relation issues. They observed that while making any change in the payment of Bonus Act, 1965 productivity of the workers and paying capacity of the employers have to be taken into account. They further observed that they are not in favour of indexation of cost of living for the purpose of ceiling and bonus calculation. The term ‘Employee’ should be substituted by the term ‘workman’ as defined under the industrial disputes Act. The present system of prescribing limits both for eligibility and calculation should be retained.

(iii) The State Government representatives were of the view that minimum, limit of bonus (8.33%) may continue. Regarding limits with regard to calculation and payment ceiling it was stated that they had no comments to offer. They further observed that distinction between statutory bonus and productivity linked bonus is quite relevant in this regard.

(iv) The State Government representatives also suggested that the central Government may consider notifying the limits for eligibility of bonus and calculation of bonus through and administrative process based on tripartite mechanism rather then legislative process every time. Appropriate amendment to the payment of Bonus Act, 1965 may have to be carried out accordingly.

Labour laws Amendments proposed/ done by central or State Governments Conclusions of the committee are as follows:-

1. The committee reiterates historical role of tripartite mechanism functioning in the country before any enactment/ amendment of labour laws.

2. Any labour law amendments/ enactment should take into account three purpose namely:
(i) justifys and welfare of workers;
(ii) Sustainability of enterprises and job creation; and
(iii) Industrial peace.

3. The labour laws need to be relooked and updated in a time bound manner.

4. Committee recommends that the overall exercise of the labour law amendments should be discussed in the tripartite forum and the broad and specific proposals should also be discussed in tripartite meetings.

Recommendations of committee on “Employment and Employment Generation” of 46 the Indian Labour conference (ILC) are as follows:-

1. The committee noted that the recommendations of 43rd to 45th ILC on Employment & Employability need to be fully implemented.
2. Recognising the employment potential in micro and small industry, especially in rural areas, an effective single-window system be established to promoted agro-based and micro & small industries with facility like concessional finance etc. A system for centralized marketing of products manufactured by these industries can also be developed.
3. Enhance the outlays and threshold for public employment generation programmes in both rural and urban areas.
4. Fill up vacant posts in Central Government, State Governments and Public Sector Undertakings in a time bound manner.
5. Reiterate the necessity for publishing quarterly employment and unemployment data.
6. With Central and State Government moving to on-line systems for employment exchanges there is a need for capacity building of Employment Exchanges officers for their revised roles under National Career Service (NCS). Need for integration of Central and State IT initiatives to avoid duplication.
7. Utilization of idle capacity in Vocational and Educational Institutions and closed/ sick industry for demand responsive training.
8. Enhance and expand areas for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) with effective assessment.
9. Enhance number and improve quality of assessors for vocational training and consider including ITI faculty for assessments.
10. To identify labour-intensive industries and new areas where jobs can be created like renewable energy and reusable resources etc. and providing employment liked training.
11. Evolve strategies for increasing female workforce participation in both public and private employment.

Source: PIB News