The festive season is almost here, and postal employees across the country have one question: when will the bonus come?
On 26 September 2026, the Joint Council of Postal Employees (JCPE) wrote to the Secretary, Department of Posts, asking that the Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for 2025-26 be paid on or before 17 October 2026, before Durga Puja begins.
Here’s what the letter says, in simple words.
Quick Details
- Letter No.: JCPE/PL Bonus-2025-26/2026
- Date: 26 September 2026
- From: Pradip U. Khadse, Convener, Joint Council of Postal Employees
- To: The Secretary, Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi
- Subject: Payment of PLB for 2025-26 before Durga Puja
Which Unions Are Part of JCPE?
The Joint Council brings together seven unions, covering almost every group of postal workers:
- All India Postal Employees Union, Postmen and MTS
- All India RMS and MMS Employees’ Union Group ‘C’
- All India RMS & MMS Employees Union, Mail Guard & MTS Group ‘C’
- All India Postal Accounts Employees Association
- All India Postal Administrative Offices’ Employees Union Group C/MTS
- All India Postal SBCO Employees’ Association
- All India Gramin Dak Sevaks Union
So this demand speaks for Postmen, MTS, Mail Guards, RMS/MMS staff, accounts and admin staff, SBCO staff and GDS.
Why the Hurry?
The letter points to the festival calendar:
| Festival | Date |
|---|---|
| Durga Puja begins | 17 October 2026 |
| Dussehra | 21 October 2026 |
Festivals mean extra spending for families. Employees are hoping to get their bonus before Durga Puja starts, so they can manage their expenses and celebrate properly.
What Has JCPE Asked For?
- Make all arrangements to pay the PL Bonus for 2025-26 to all eligible employees
- Complete the payment on or before 17 October 2026
- Treat the matter as a priority
JCPE says early payment would give real financial relief and show the Department’s concern for employee welfare during the festive period.
Has the PLB Order Been Issued?
Not yet. As of now, this is only a request from the employees’ side. The bonus is paid only after the Government approves it and the Department issues the official order.
This is the second major bonus demand in a few days. Earlier, FNPO asked for the bonus calculation ceiling to be raised from ₹7,000 to ₹21,000 along with early PLB orders. (Link your earlier post here: “Postal Bonus Ceiling Hike: FNPO Demands ₹21,000”)
With both federations pushing, all eyes are now on the Department’s decision.
Bonus Once a Year, Promotion Every Month
The bonus is a welcome festive gift, but a promotion raises your salary every single month.
If you are a GDS, MTS or Postman, departmental exams are your fastest route to higher pay:
- GDS to MTS and GDS to Postman for a regular departmental post
- MTS to PA and Postman to PA for a big jump in salary and role
Start early with the latest syllabus, previous year question papers and regular mock tests, and make next year’s festive season even better.
Stay connected with us for the PLB 2025-26 order, and every India Post latest news and circular update.