Punjab Wage Payment Notification 2026: Cheque, Bank Credit or Electronic Mode

Punjab’s notification under section 15 of the Code on Wages specifies that every establishment or factory must pay wages only by cheque, credit to the employee’s bank account, or electronic mode. Cheque remains an expressly permitted option.

Document and dates

Who should review this update?

The notification addresses every establishment or factory in its stated Punjab scope. Employers and contractors handling wage disbursement should review the payment methods actually used, including exceptions processed outside the main payroll run.

What the document says

• The notification is issued using section 15 of the Code on Wages, 2019.
• Its permitted payment modes are cheque, direct credit to an employee’s bank account, or electronic mode.
• The short notification does not specify a separate transition window or an additional payment deadline.

Practical employer steps

Use the following review steps to apply the document to the establishment and the relevant period.

1. Inventory the wage-payment methods used at every affected location and identify cash-disbursement exceptions for review.
2. Check employee bank details and payment authorisation controls before switching the payroll process.
3. Reconcile each wage statement to cheque or transfer evidence, including unsuccessful transfers and subsequent corrections.
4. Update instructions to payroll vendors and labour contractors using the exact permitted modes stated in the notification.

Frequently asked questions

Are cheques permitted?

Yes. Cheque is expressly included alongside bank-account credit and electronic mode.

Does the notification change wage-payment due dates?

The reviewed text prescribes payment modes. It does not state a new wage-payment deadline.

Why should payroll records include transfer or cheque references?

Linking the disbursement evidence to the wage record helps the employer demonstrate the amount and method actually used and resolve payment discrepancies.

Source and related guidance

Read the original government document (third-party mirror) (Sankhla-hosted PDF).

The linked file reproduces the original government document; its hosting website is an independent document mirror.

• Wage-payment compliance: employer guide
• Wage records and payroll controls

Related compliance references

• Code on Wages, 2019
• Code on Wages (Punjab) Rules, 2026: Final Rules Effective 5 November
• Labour law library