Chandigarh: The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has announced a major relief package for thousands of outsourced employees, unveiling a policy aimed at ending the contractor-based employment system for a large section of the workforce.
Under the new policy, more than 65,000 outsourced employees working in various government departments will be brought under direct government contracts, a move being described as one of the biggest labour and employment reforms undertaken by the state government.
According to the policy, outsourced employees who have completed five years of continuous service will be shifted from the contractor system and placed directly under government contracts. The decision is expected to provide immediate benefits to around 26,400 employees, who will come under the direct administrative control of the Punjab government.
Government sources said the policy has also made special provisions for employees engaged in hazardous and high-risk duties. For such workers, the minimum service requirement has been reduced from five years to three years, making them eligible for direct government contracts at an earlier stage.
The government said the move is aimed at improving job security, reducing dependence on private contractors and ensuring better working conditions for employees who have been serving in government departments for years through outsourcing arrangements.
The decision is expected to benefit workers across multiple sectors and departments, while also addressing a long-standing demand raised by employee unions and contractual staff organisations in the state.
