Noida Labour Bonus Claims Fake: FIR Filed Against Misinformation Spreaders
Additional Labour Commissioner Rakesh Dwivedi dismisses viral claims of a mandated ₹5,100 Diwali bonus and warns against fake news.
The administration in Noida has taken a stern stand against the spread of misinformation on social media. Additional Labour Commissioner Rakesh Dwivedi has officially dismissed viral claims regarding labour bonuses, labeling them as false and fabricated. To curb the spread of these rumors, an FIR has been registered, and a full-scale investigation is now underway to identify and penalize those responsible for misleading the workforce.
The Viral Hoax: What Was Claimed?
The controversy erupted following a viral message circulating on social media platforms just ahead of Diwali. The fake report claimed that the Supreme Court of India had issued a mandate requiring all private companies and government departments to pay a fixed Diwali bonus of ₹5,100 along with salaries by November 5. This misinformation sparked anxiety and confusion among employees, prompting the Labour Department to intervene.
The Truth About Bonus Eligibility
To clear the air, Additional Labour Commissioner Rakesh Dwivedi provided a detailed breakdown of the actual criteria workers must meet to be eligible for a bonus. He emphasized that bonuses are not arbitrary and depend on specific legal and operational parameters:
- Work Duration: Employees must have completed a minimum of 30 days of work during the financial year 2025-26 (from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026).
- Company Longevity: The employer or company must have been in operation for at least five years.
- Financial Health: The company must be profitable for its employees to qualify for the bonus payment.
Regarding new hires, Dwivedi clarified that any employee who joined their organization on or after April 1, 2026, will not be eligible for a bonus this cycle but will qualify in the following year. He further noted that the official deadline for the disbursement of eligible bonuses is November 30, 2026.
Warning Against Protests and Fake News
Speaking to ANI, Rakesh Dwivedi attributed the spread of these reports to "disruptive elements" intending to create unrest. He strongly urged workers and employees to refrain from organizing protests or taking any action based on unverified social media posts.
"This is false and fabricated news, spread on social media by disruptive elements. The police have taken cognisance of the matter; an FIR has been registered, and an investigation is underway. Those responsible will be held accountable," Dwivedi stated.
How Workers Can Verify Information
The Labour Department has encouraged employees to use official channels to verify any claims regarding their wages or bonuses. Workers are advised to contact:
- The Additional Labour Commissioner directly.
- The Labour Department office.
- The local police.
- The district administration.
This crackdown on misinformation comes at a sensitive time, nearly six months after Noida witnessed significant worker protests demanding an increase in minimum wages.