Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has urged Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to immediately approve the Punjab State Outsourced Personnel Transition to Contractual Engagement Ordinance, 2026, describing it as a long-pending measure to end the exploitation of thousands of outsourced employees in the state.
Key Demand
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Cheema stated that the ordinance would allow outsourced workers—including sanitation staff, sewer workers, and power board employees—to transition into direct contractual engagement with the state government. This move would eliminate third-party contractor exploitation, a persistent issue affecting the workforce.
Immediate Approval Needed
The Finance Minister emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that the ordinance has been pending for some time. He called on Governor Kataria to clear it without further delay, highlighting that thousands of workers are waiting for relief from unfair practices under the current outsourcing system.
Background
Outsourced employees in Punjab have long demanded direct employment with the government to ensure better wages, job security, and benefits. The proposed ordinance aims to address these concerns by converting their status from third-party contractors to direct contractual hires, thereby improving their working conditions.
Government's Commitment
Cheema reiterated the state government's commitment to worker welfare, stating: "This ordinance is a crucial step towards ensuring dignity and fair treatment for our outsourced workforce. We urge the Governor to approve it at the earliest." The move aligns with broader efforts to reform labor practices in the state.
