Bengaluru, Nov 21: The Karnataka government is facing pressure to overhaul its employment system after a high-level Cabinet sub-committee recommended the complete phase-out of job outsourcing in government offices, boards, and corporations by March 2028. The move is aimed at tackling a systemic issue that has led to the potential violation of constitutional reservation policies and the exploitation of workers.
The Call for Systemic Change
With over three lakh vacant posts currently being filled through private agencies on an outsource, insource, or daily wage basis, the sub-committee highlighted a significant lapse. "As a result, reservations are not being followed as per the Constitution and state laws. It’s an urgent need to take serious steps to change the system. It has been recommended to completely stop the system of outsourcing by March 2028," the panel stated in a document.
The practice of outsourcing involves private companies hiring workers to perform duties for a government agency. Critics argue this model results in lesser salaries, a lack of social security benefits (otherwise available to permanent government employees), and a failure to adhere to the provisions of Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law and prohibit discrimination.
The 'Bidar Model' as a Stop-Gap Solution
To regulate the current mode of employment and reduce worker exploitation until the 2028 deadline, the government plans to establish workers’ services multi-purpose cooperative societies across all districts, following the successful "Bidar Model."
The Bidar District Services of Labour Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Ltd., which operates under the District Commissioner, is cited as a successful example of providing a measure of social security to outsourced staff. Labour Department officials argue this society ensures workers receive their due wages and statutory facilities like ESI (Employees' State Insurance) and PF (Provident Fund), in exchange for a 1% service fee collected from the employees.
legislative push and Priority Insourcing
The recommendations, led by the sub-committee headed by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil, are set to be discussed at the next Cabinet meeting. The committee has proposed the introduction of the Karnataka Outsourced Employees (Regulation, Placement and Welfare) Bill 2025.
In a move addressing immediate concerns, Labour Minister Santosh Lad, a member of the sub-committee, has reportedly assured that steps will be taken over the next 2-3 years to insource workers in "life-threatening services" on a priority basis. This includes essential personnel like pourakarmikas (sanitation workers), drivers, electrical staff in the Energy Department, and Health Department staff handling contagious diseases. The transition aims to grant these workers the long-term security and benefits they currently lack under the outsourcing system.
Comments
YOUTH OF INDIA
I was born in India, I have studied, worked and travelled the whole world for over 50, years, since 1975, I am residing in Canada. I frequently visit India, sadly I have discovered that the educated youth are futureless, they suffer the Human Right Abuse, Atrocities and Crimes Against Humanity, their Human dignity is frequently arbitrarily stripped by the Subordinate Courts Justices, the Public Authorities, the youth become helpless and end up their life. Most of the politicians, IAS, IPS and PCS are reckless, unskilled, uneducated, uncivilized, barbarians, incompetent and wanton disregard for human life. Due to the highly populated country of India life is worthless. India uses draconian law to arbitrarily strip human dignity. Covid-19, the pandemic is not handled by skilled professionals causing massive death which has doomed India. India has become the most dangerous nation in the world in the year 2021.
Ramesh Mishra
Victoria, BC, CANADA
Add new comment