Labour department directs employers to pay mandatory festival allowance

The Department of Labour and Occupational Safety has directed all employers and establishments to provide workers with a mandatory festival allowance.

The directive was issued after the department received complaints that some employers were not paying this amount to workers.

Under Section 37 of the Labour Act, 2074 BS, every worker is entitled to an amount equal to one month's basic wages, once a year, for festivals according to their religion, culture and tradition.

The department said workers who do not receive the festival allowance can file a complaint or application with the labor and employment office or the department in their workplace area.

The department has also published a QR code so that complaints, grievances and suggestions can be sent by email.

Department spokesperson Maninath Gope said concerned establishments have been told to provide the amount mandatorily, and that action would be taken under the Labour Act against those who do not comply with the directive.