The Haryana government is set to introduce the Haryana Contractual Employees (Security of Service) Bill, 2024. This bill is said to provide job security for over 1.2 lakh contractual workers in various government departments.
The bill is likely to be tabled in the Haryana Assembly’s winter session beginning on 13 November. If enacted, it would be retroactive, effective from 14 August, 2024.
The bill specifies that eligible employees must either be directly contracted by a government organisation with a monthly salary up to Rs 50,000 or be deployed by the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam. They must also have at least five years of full-time service in government organisations as of the appointed date. Additionally, the bill defines eligible service as periods during which remuneration was paid by the government, including approved leave.
Service of at least 240 days in a calendar year will be counted as a full year, though exclusions apply for employees under certain schemes, those working part-time, and those above 58 years of age at the appointed date.
Eligible employees will receive consolidated monthly pay equal to the entry-level salary for their post, with added remuneration based on years of service. The added remuneration is tiered: 15 per cent of entry pay for over 10 years, 10 per cent for 8-10 years, and five per cent for five to eight years. Pay will increase biannually to match DA adjustments, with potential yearly increments.
Contractual workers will also receive benefits including healthcare under the PM-JAY CHIRAYU scheme. These include death and retirement gratuity, maternity benefits, and options for ex-gratia financial support or compassionate appointments as per state policy.
The government retains powers to amend or clarify the Act’s provisions if difficulties arise, with orders valid for up to two years post enactment. These orders, published in the Official Gazette, will also be presented to the State Legislature for oversight. The Act shields government officers and authorised personnel from legal liability for actions taken in good faith to enforce the Act.
