New Delhi: Pre-festival ad-hoc bonus for central government staff

Adding to the festive cheer ahead of Dussehra, the Modi government has announced a productivity-linked bonus for central government employees. The Finance Ministry, in an office memorandum issued on Monday, stated that Group C and Non-Gazetted Group B employees will receive an “Ad-hoc Bonus” equivalent to 30 days’ salary for the accounting year 2024-25. The bonus amount has been fixed at Rs 6,908.

“This is directed to convey the sanction of the President to grant Non-Productivity Linked Bonus (Ad-hoc Bonus) equivalent to 30 days emoluments for the accounting year 2024-25 to all central government employees in Group ‘C’ and all non-gazetted central government employees in Group ‘B’, who are not covered by any Productivity Linked Bonus Scheme,” the memorandum said.

Eligibility and coverage

The bonus will be provided to all employees who are in service as of March 31, 2025, and who have worked continuously for at least six months. Employees who have not completed a full year will receive a pro-rata bonus based on months worked.

The scheme also extends to:

  • Eligible personnel of central paramilitary forces and the armed forces.
  • Employees in Union Territories (UTs) following central pay scales who do not receive any other bonus or ex-gratia.
  • Ad-hoc employees without breaks in service.
  • Casual labourers with prior work experience of certain days in the past three years, for whom the bonus has been fixed at Rs 1,184.

Bonus calculation details

The bonus is calculated based on a maximum monthly salary of Rs 7,000. For instance, a 30-day bonus on Rs 7,000 would be computed as:

7,000 × 30 ÷ 30.4 = Rs 6,907.89 (rounded to Rs 6,908)

Additional highlights include:

  • Only employees in service as of March 31, 2025, will be eligible.
  • Retired, resigned, or deceased employees are eligible only if they had at least six months of service.
  • Employees on deputation will receive the bonus from the organization where they are currently employed.
  • Bonus amounts will always be rounded to the nearest rupee.

Boost to employee morale

This government decision is expected to directly benefit millions of central government employees and security force personnel. Coming ahead of the festive season, the ad-hoc bonus will provide a welcome financial boost, helping employees meet festival expenses and celebrate Dussehra with added cheer.

Officials said the pre-festival bonus demonstrates the government’s commitment to rewarding employees for their service and dedication, ensuring a positive start to the holiday season for staff across departments.