Himachal: Preparations Underway to Formulate Policy for Outsourced Employees; CM Sukhu seeks proposal

May 2, 2026

The government in Himachal Pradesh has accelerated its efforts toward formulating a permanent policy for thousands of outsourced employees. Demonstrating serious intent regarding this issue, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has sought detailed proposals from the concerned departments. It is believed that, after a long period of dormancy, there is now renewed hope for a concrete decision on this long-pending matter.

This initiative was set in motion when the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Outsourced Employees’ Association submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, prominently highlighting the grievances and demands of the outsourced workforce.

The Association pointed out that a large number of employees across the state have been rendering services in various departments for 15 to 20 years, yet they continue to receive a meager monthly salary of merely ₹10,000 to ₹12,000. According to the Association, several employees have lost their lives while on duty, while many others have suffered disabilities in accidents.

Despite these sacrifices, there is no assured security for their future, nor is there any substantial support available for their families. Taking the matter seriously, the Special Secretary to the Chief Minister has referred the issue to the Secretary (Personnel).

Preliminary Work Underway

Preliminary work regarding policy formulation has now commenced at the level of the Personnel Department. According to sources, the process of collecting data on outsourced employees from various departments and reviewing their terms and conditions of service is also likely to be initiated soon.

Among their key demands presented to the government, the Association has sought job security for all outsourced employees, the implementation of a minimum wage, and the provision of a government job, along with appropriate compensation, to the next of kin in the event of an employee’s death while in service. Ashwani Sharma, Convener of the Electricity Board Association, and Co-convener Sohan Lal Tulia have expressed optimism that the state government will take a positive decision soon, having fully grasped the gravity of the employees’ grievances.