Kathmandu, October 9
The Department of Labour and Occupational Safety has directed all employers and establishments to provide workers with the mandatory festival allowance.
The department issued the directive following complaints that some employers had failed to provide the allowance.
Section 37 of the Labour Act, 2017, stipulates that every worker is entitled to an annual festival allowance equivalent to one month’s basic salary for festivals celebrated in accordance with their religion, culture and traditions.
The department has urged workers who have not received the allowance to file complaints or applications with the Labour and Employment Office responsible for their workplace or with the Department of Labour and Occupational Safety.
Workers can also submit complaints, grievances and suggestions via email. The department has provided a QR code to facilitate submissions.
Department spokesperson Maninath Gop said complaints had been received that some employers and establishments had failed to provide the festival allowance. He said the concerned establishments had been instructed to comply with the requirement and warned that those failing to do so would face action under the Labour Act.
