Outsourced Workers Receive New Protections in Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced significant policy changes to safeguard the interests of outsourced employees, aligning their rights with those of regular government employees. The new regulations aim to ensure fair treatment and procedural accountability in the hiring and dismissal of outsourced workers.

Key Provisions of the Policy
1.    Termination Procedures: Outsourced workers can no longer be arbitrarily removed from service. Departments must seek prior approval from the concerned authorities before terminating any employee.
2.    Timely Payment: Workers must receive their wages by the seventh of each month, ensuring no delays in disbursement. Departments will also adhere to a strict timeline for transferring payments.
3.    Merit-Based Recruitment: The selection of outsourced workers will be conducted through a seniority-based system managed via an online portal developed by the Service Selection Department. Agencies must provide three candidates for every position, ensuring transparency and fairness.

Strict Monitoring of Agencies
The government has mandated that service-providing agencies cannot levy unauthorized charges from employees. Non-compliance will result in strict action against the agency, including blacklisting. Additionally, agencies must ensure timely payment of salaries to their workers.

Enhanced Governance through GEM Portal
To streamline operations, all procurement, including the auctioning of surplus goods, must be conducted via the Government e-Marketplace (GEM) portal. Departments are no longer allowed to sell items through informal methods, ensuring accountability and transparency in transactions.

Additional Safeguards
Outsourced workers will remain protected against unfair practices, with departments required to justify any disciplinary action before seeking approvals for dismissal. The system ensures that any dismissal aligns with procedural norms and fairness.
This initiative underscores the Uttar Pradesh government's commitment to enhancing the welfare of outsourced workers, fostering a more secure and equitable work environment.