Hiring workers from third party agencies on contract to work for the government is a growing trend in Maharashtra. These agencies, such as Aksentt Tech Services, CMS IT Services, Innowave IT Infrastructure, Krystal Integrated Services, S2 Infotech International, Sainik Intelligence Security, and Urmila International Services, provide workers for various government departments, including project coordinators, engineers, teachers, content writers, clerks, librarians, telephone operators, drivers, carpenters, gardeners, lift operators, sweepers, and peons.
This policy is not new. In 2014, the government awarded a similar tender to Brisk Facilities and Krystal Integrated Services for three years, and their contract was extended after it expired. The government began the process for fresh bids in September 2021, which was completed by April 2022. Ten agencies out of 26 applicants were awarded the contract, with one firm later being removed from the list due to scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate.
However, this policy has caused concern, particularly with government employees who have been on an indefinite strike demanding a return to the Old Pension Scheme, which was abolished by the Atal Bihar Vajpayee-led government in 2003.
A member of the Maharashtra legislative council has stated that the government is creating two groups of employees within its own system – one with job security, good pay, and all the worker entitlements, and the other with no job security or worker benefits, and working below minimum wages.
