Delhi Cabinet OKs proposal for contract labourers

NEW DELHI: The proposal ensuring that the contract labourers would not lose their jobs due to change of contractor was approved by the Delhi cabinet here on Tuesday. The proposal was introduced in the cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

According to the proposal, the Delhi Government gives out service or manpower contracts for various services. The contractor hires its own manpower. However, when the contract period gets over and if the contractor gets changed, fresh manpower is brought by the new contractor and the earlier ones are removed, it added.

"This causes huge untold miseries to these poor people. The Delhi Cabinet resolved that henceforth the new contractor shall keep a minimum of 80% of earlier manpower. If the new contractor, however, plans to reduce the manpower due to mechanization or any other reasons, then he shall accommodate at least 80% of the new strength from existing manpower," the draft proposal reads.

"In several cases it is found that a said contractor gets changed and the new contractor who gets the next cycle of contract, changes the manpower. The manpower, the contractual labours, loses their jobs due to the change of contractor,' the proposal cited.

Meanwhile, the cabinet also approved the amendment to the Home Guards Rules, 2008 to permit the continuation of availing voluntary services of Home Guards till the age of 60 years.

The present age of their disengagement/discharge was 50 years, which led to the early departure of many Home Guards from 2008 onwards. The Home Guards, who were disengaged due to the 50-year norm, would be given a choice to get back to the Home Guard if they wish to join back. "Presently, against a sanctioned strength of 10,285, the number of home guards is 4390, who are available on rolls. One of the major reasons for less number of Home Guards being the reduction of their disengagement/discharge age from 60 years to 50 years, which led to the early departure of many Home Guards from 2008 onwards," the proposal seeking the amendment noted.

"The Delhi Police Constables, who are doing more arduous duties, are retiring only at the age of 60 years. With the advancement of the overall standard of living, health conditions and medical facilities, average employees are able to perform their best easily up to 60 years. In many other states, the disengagement age is 60 years," it added.

The Delhi Government in principle has also decided to hire 6000 new home guards; the proposal will soon be moved to the cabinet for its approval.