A Comprehensive Guide to The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972

This article provides an in-depth understanding of the Payment of Gratuity Act 1972, outlining its key provisions, coverage, eligibility criteria, calculation methods, and payment process.
Home Loan
2 min
10 June 2024

The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, stands as a pivotal legislation in India, offering financial security and recognition to employees for their dedicated service. Enacted to ensure the payment of gratuity to employees in various sectors, this act embodies the principle of social security and serves as a cornerstone of labour rights and welfare. This comprehensive guide aims to delve into the intricacies of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, elucidating its provisions, significance, implications, and practical implications for employers and employees alike.

Understanding the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972

The Payment of Gratuity Act 1972, is a legislation enacted by the Indian Parliament to regulate the payment of gratuity to employees engaged in factories, mines, oilfields, plantations, ports, railway companies, shops, or other establishments. The primary objective of this act is to provide financial assistance to employees as a token of appreciation for their long and meritorious service.

In addition to the significant benefits provided by the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, employees may also leverage their gratuity towards fulfilling their dream of homeownership through home loans. As employees accrue gratuity over the years of service, they can utilise this lump sum amount as a down payment or to repay a portion of their home loan, thereby reducing the financial burden associated with purchasing a house.

Key provisions of the Act

The Payment of Gratuity Act 1972 contains several key provisions aimed at protecting the interests of employees:

  1. Eligibility criteria: According to the act, an employee becomes eligible for gratuity after completing five years of continuous service with an employer. However, in the case of death or disablement due to accident or illness, the condition of five years' service is waived off.
  2. Calculation of gratuity: Gratuity is calculated based on the employee's last drawn salary and the number of years of completed service. The formula for calculating gratuity is as follows: Gratuity = (Last drawn salary × 15/26) × Number of completed years of service.
  3. Maximum limit: As per the act, the maximum amount of gratuity payable to an employee shall not exceed Rs. 20 lakh (as of the current limit in 2024), irrespective of the number of years of service.
  4. Nomination: The act mandates that every employee must nominate a nominee who would receive the gratuity amount in case of the employee's death. The nomination can be made by filling out the requisite form provided by the employer.
  5. Employer's obligation: It is the responsibility of the employer to pay gratuity to eligible employees within 30 days from the date it becomes payable. Failure to do so may result in penalties under the act.

Coverage and applicability

The Payment of Gratuity Act 1972 applies to:

  • Factories, mines, oilfields, plantations, ports, and railway companies: These establishments are automatically covered under the Act.
  • Shops and establishments: Any shop or establishment employing ten or more persons on any day in the preceding 12 months.
  • Other establishments: Other establishments notified by the government from time to time.

Eligibility criteria for gratuity

To be eligible for gratuity under the Payment of Gratuity Act 1972, an employee must fulfill the following criteria:

  • Length of service: The employee must have completed at least five years of continuous service with the same employer. However, this condition is waived in case of death or disablement.
  • Nature of employment: The employee must be working in an establishment covered by the Act.

Calculation of gratuity amount

The gratuity amount payable to an employee is calculated using the formula:

Gratuity = (Last Drawn Salary × Number of Completed Years of Service × 15) / 26

Where:

  • Last drawn salary includes basic salary, dearness allowance, and any commission based on sales.
  • Number of completed years of service is the total number of years the employee has worked with the employer.
  • 15/26 represents 15 days out of 26 working days in a month.

Payment conditions and process

The process for payment of gratuity under the Payment of Gratuity Act 1972 is as follows:

  1. Application: The employee or their nominee must submit an application in the prescribed form to the employer for claiming gratuity.
  2. Employer’s responsibility: Upon receipt of the application, the employer must verify the details and determine the amount payable.
  3. Payment: The employer must pay the gratuity amount within 30 days of it becoming due. If the payment is delayed, the employer is liable to pay interest on the amount.

In case of disputes, the employee can approach the controlling authority under the Act for resolution. The controlling authority has the power to adjudicate disputes and direct the employer to make the payment.

Consider Bajaj Housing Finance Home Loan

As you navigate the realm of financial planning and contemplate utilizing your gratuity towards homeownership, Bajaj Housing Finance offers tailored home loan solutions to turn your dream of owning a home into reality. With our seamless and customer-centric approach, we understand the significance of providing hassle-free financial assistance to individuals seeking to embark on their homeownership journey.

Here are a few reasons why you should choose Bajaj Housing Finance Home Loan:

  • Flexible repayment options: Benefit from extended repayment periods of up to 32 years, allowing you to choose a plan that best aligns with your financial situation, making repayment more manageable.
  • Competitive interest rates: Start your journey to homeownership with attractive interest rates beginning at just 8.25%* p.a, and EMIs as low as Rs. 741/lakh*, making home ownership more affordable.
  • Customisable loan options: Customize your home loan to suit your specific needs with varying loan amounts, and repayment terms, providing you with greater control over the home-buying process.
  • Top-up loan facility: Increase your financial flexibility with a top-up loan facility, offering additional funds of Rs. 1 crore* or higher at competitive interest rates and minimal documentation, simplifying the management of a home loan balance transfer.

Explore Bajaj Housing Finance Home Loan today and take the first step towards turning your dream home into a reality.

Bajaj Finserv app for all your financial needs and goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finserv App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.

You can use the Bajaj Finserv App to:

  • Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.
  • Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.
  • Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.
  • Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.
  • Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-qualified limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.
  • Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
  • Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators
  • Check your credit score, download loan statements and even get quick customer support—all on the app.

Download the Bajaj Finserv App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

Do more with the Bajaj Finserv App!

UPI, Wallet, Loans, Investments, Cards, Shopping and more

Disclaimer

1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page.

2. All other information, such as, the images, facts, statistics etc. (“information”) that are in addition to the details mentioned in the BFL’s product/ service document and which are being displayed on this page only depicts the summary of the information sourced from the public domain. The said information is neither owned by BFL nor it is to the exclusive knowledge of BFL. There may be inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors or delays in updating the said information. Hence, users are advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting experts, if any. Users shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Payment of Gratuity Act 1972?

The Payment of Gratuity Act 1972 is an Indian legislation that provides for a scheme for the payment of gratuity to employees engaged in factories, mines, oilfields, plantations, ports, railway companies, and other establishments.

Who is eligible for gratuity under this Act?

Under this act, any employee who has rendered continuous service for five years or more is eligible for gratuity.

Is there any condition for the completion of five years?

Yes, the employee must render service to the same employer for five continuous years to be eligible for gratuity.

When should an employer pay gratuity to an employee?

An employer must pay the gratuity within 30 days from the date when it's payable; otherwise, interest is applicable.

Are there any tax implications on gratuity?

Yes, there are tax implications on gratuity. Amount exceeding Rs. 20 lakh is taxable or if received by employees not covered under the Act, the amount exceeding Rs. 10 lakh is taxable.

Show More Show Less