Punjab Cabinet Approves Bills to End Contractual Hiring in Government

The Punjab Cabinet has approved the introduction of two bills aimed at abolishing contractual and outsourced hiring in government departments. This move is expected to benefit over 65,000 outsourced employees across 51 departments, granting them benefits on par with regular government employees.

The Punjab Cabinet has sanctioned two significant bills intended to terminate the hiring of government employees through contractual and outsourcing systems. This decision marks a pivotal step towards reforming employment practices in the state's public sector.

During a meeting led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, it was revealed that these bills, namely the Punjab State Outsourced Personnel Bill, 2026, and the Punjab State Contractual Personnel Bill, 2026, will be presented in the state assembly. Mann emphasized that the initiative aims to address grievances from outsourced employees, ensuring they receive similar benefits as permanent government workers. An ordinance will be sent to the Punjab governor for approval before the bills are introduced in the assembly.