Coal India Employees to Receive ₹1.03 Lakh Bonus Ahead of Durga Puja, Boosting Festive Cheer

By Siddhi Jain | Sep 26, 2025, 17:54 IST

Kolkata, September 26, 2025 – Just before the festive season, more than 2.20 lakh employees of Coal India Limited (CIL) have received a major financial gift. The company has finalized the annual performance-linked bonus, granting each employee a payout of ₹1.03 lakh. The amount is being directly transferred to employees’ bank accounts today, bringing joy and relief to thousands of families ahead of Durga Puja and Diwali.

Bigger Bonus Than Last Year

Last year, CIL employees were awarded a bonus of ₹93,750. This year’s figure is nearly ₹10,000 higher, reflecting both improved performance and long negotiations between management and labor unions. For coal workers, this increment has arrived as a much-needed boost during the festive months when household expenses typically rise.

How the Agreement Was Reached

The decision came after an intense round of discussions between the company’s management and labor federations in Kolkata. Initially, the management proposed a bonus of ₹98,500, while unions pressed for ₹1.25 lakh. The standoff even led to a walkout by the National Mine Workers’ Federation. However, after prolonged talks, both sides reached a middle ground at ₹1.03 lakh.

Management argued that while the company’s financial position is stabilizing, committing to an excessively high bonus could pose risks in the future. The compromise ensured workers’ expectations were met without straining CIL’s finances.

Which Companies Are Covered?

The bonus will be distributed across several subsidiaries of Coal India. Beneficiaries include employees of:

Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL)
Central Coalfields Limited (CCL)
Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL)
Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI)
Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL)
Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL)
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL)

In Jharkhand alone, nearly ₹800 crore will be disbursed, with BCCL employees receiving around ₹320 crore and CCL employees about ₹310 crore.

Festive Economy to Get a Boost

The payout is expected to inject ₹2,100 crore into the economy during the festival season. This surge will particularly benefit local markets in coal mining regions such as Dhanbad and other parts of Jharkhand, where consumer spending is expected to rise sharply. Traders and small businesses are already anticipating increased demand for clothing, electronics, home goods, and festive essentials.

A Historic Agreement in the Presence of Top Management

The agreement was finalized in a meeting attended by CIL Chairman P.M. Prasad, with MCL CMD Uday Anant Kawale chairing the session. Union leaders expressed satisfaction at the outcome, highlighting that the settlement acknowledges workers’ contribution to the company’s operations.

For the employees, the timing of this announcement could not have been better. Durga Puja is one of the most significant festivals in eastern India, especially in West Bengal and Jharkhand. The bonus ensures workers can celebrate without financial strain, purchase festive goods, and plan for Diwali, which follows shortly after.

Employees Express Happiness

With the announcement, a wave of relief and excitement has spread among Coal India’s workforce. “The extra money will help us manage festival expenses more comfortably this year,” said one employee from Dhanbad. Others expressed gratitude that the long negotiation ended positively just in time for Durga Puja.

Key Takeaways

Over 2.20 lakh employees of Coal India to get ₹1.03 lakh each as bonus.
₹2,100 crore injection into the market expected to uplift the festive economy.
Amount higher than last year’s ₹93,750 bonus, giving workers extra financial cushion.
Decision reached after intense negotiations between management and unions.
Subsidiaries across Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha will benefit.

This timely announcement ensures that Durga Puja celebrations in coal-belt states will be more vibrant, with employees and their families enjoying an enhanced festive season. For Coal India, it also reinforces goodwill and strengthens ties with its massive workforce, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the financial year.