Punjab Govt to Regularise 65,000 Workers, Scrap Contractor System: AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s Punjab Government has taken a landmark decision to dismantle the contractor-driven employment model in government departments and create a pathway to regular service for more than 65,000 outsourced and non-permanent employees, in one of the most far-reaching employee welfare decisions in the state's history. Hailing the move, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said the Bhagwant Mann Government had taken a historic decision that would restore rights, dignity and job security to thousands of workers and their families.

With the contractor system set to be abolished, employees will now have a direct relationship with the government, receive salaries directly in their bank accounts and gain access to statutory benefits, a reform that party leaders said has created a new benchmark for employee welfare in the country.

On this historic decision, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal stated on X: "The AAP Government in Punjab has taken the historic decision to abolish the contractor system and regularise more than 65,000 non-permanent and outsourced employees. This is a landmark decision and the first of its kind in the country. This is not just a policy decision; it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of thousands of employees and their families, ensuring that they receive the rights, dignity and respect they deserve."

"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the employees who will benefit from this decision. I also congratulate CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for taking this historic and transformative step," stated the AAP Chief.

Meanwhile, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: "Today, another historic decision has been taken for the employees of Punjab. The Cabinet has approved the regularisation of more than 65,000 outsourced and non-permanent employees and put its stamp on abolishing the contractor system permanently. There will now be no middlemen or contractors between employees and the government. Instead, every employee will have a direct employment relationship with the government, and their salaries will be credited directly into their bank accounts."

"A major decision has also been taken for workers engaged in hazardous duties such as firefighters, sewer workers and linemen. They will now become eligible for regularisation after just three years of service instead of five," he noted.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further wrote: "The Cabinet has also constituted a special Cabinet Sub-Committee to address issues related to pending dues and Dearness Allowance (DA) of employees and pensioners. In addition, approval has been granted for the establishment of seven new Special Courts in Punjab to ensure the speedy disposal of corruption cases."

"The days when the rights of employees and ordinary people were denied are over. The AAP Government remains fully committed to the welfare of every section of society in Punjab and to securing a brighter future for all," the post concluded.

Senior AAP leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia stated: "Punjab Government's decision to regularise 65,000 non-permanent and outsourced employees has brought new hope into the lives of lakhs of people. Heartiest congratulations to all the employees who will benefit from this landmark decision. Best wishes to CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for taking this historic step, which has set a new benchmark for employee welfare in the country."