The Punjab government has announced its intention to regularise over 65,000 employees currently engaged on a contractual basis. This decision was made during a Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday. The newly proposed legislation aims to eradicate the practice of hiring staff through contract and outsourcing mechanisms in government departments.

Chief Minister Mann addressed the media following the meeting, stating that the two upcoming bills would be presented in the state Assembly. These bills are titled the Punjab State Outsourced Personnel Bill, 2026, and the Punjab State Contractual Personnel Bill, 2026. The government views this move as a significant step towards providing stable employment for many individuals working in essential roles.

According to Mann, the decision is a response to feedback received from public interactions, where various concerns regarding exploitation faced by contractual and outsourced workers were raised. The Chief Minister emphasised that this legislative change would ensure that employees who were previously in precarious situations would now receive benefits comparable to their regular counterparts.

Details of Proposed Legislation

Both proposed bills aim to formalise the employment status of those working on a contractual basis across fifty-one departments within the Punjab government. The intention is to transition these employees into regular positions, thus granting them statutory rights and entitlements that accompany conventional employment.

In his statements to the press, Mann highlighted that the termination of the contractual employment model in Punjab would fundamentally change the employment landscape in the state. He noted the potential benefits for the affected workforce, signalling a commitment to improving their working conditions and job security.

The Punjab government has committed to forwarding an ordinance regarding the matter to the state’s Governor for approval. This ordinance will facilitate the immediate implementation of some changes ahead of the bills being enacted through the legislative process.

Impact on Workforce and Future Developments

The announcement is anticipated to have a widespread impact on the lives of over 65,000 employees. By regularising these positions, the government aims to address long-standing grievances related to job security, wage disparities, and the absence of comprehensive benefits. Employees working in sectors who rely on government services are expected to experience significant improvements in their work environments.

As the details emerge regarding the implementation of the new bills, stakeholders are keenly observing how this initiative will unfold. The proposed changes signal a shift towards more stable employment practices in the public sector, addressing a critical issue that has persisted for years.

The Punjab government’s decision to take this step has attracted attention from various quarters, with implications not only for the affected employees but also for the broader employment policies in the region. Many are hoping that this legislative move will set a precedent for similar reforms across other states in India.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share