Lucknow: To make the practice of outsourcing transparent and more streamlined, the state cabinet on Tuesday cleared a proposal to set up the Uttar Pradesh Outsource Service Corporation Limited that would be responsible for selecting agencies that would provide the workforce for all departments.The decision would be crucial in safeguarding the interests of outsourced employees, who so far have no access to any employment benefits. The corporation would be established under section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, and function as a not-for-profit public limited company. A senior official said against the current practice of all departments selecting outsourcing agencies independently, the work would be carried out by the corporation. It would empanel agencies through the GeM portal for a period of three years, from whom all departments would be able to select their workforce. “Under the new system, outsourced employees would get an honorarium of Rs 16,000 to Rs 20,000 per month. Salaries would be transferred directly to their bank accounts between the 1st and 5th of every month, along with EPF and ESI contributions, ensuring financial security. In case of irregularities, services of the concerned agency can be terminated immediately,” said finance and parliamentary affairs minister Suresh Khanna. Explaining the need for such a corporation, Khanna said till now, agencies failed to provide workers their full honorarium and often neglected mandatory EPF and ESI contributions. “This step would eliminate irregularities and guarantee every employee their rightful dues,” he said. Under the new system, workers would also enjoy social security and reservation benefits. Khanna said: “Reservation for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, Divyangjan, ex-servicemen and women would be accounted for as per constitutional provisions. Women employees would be entitled to maternity leave while all workers would receive periodic training to enhance skills. Additionally, Rs 15,000 would be provided as funeral assistance in case of death during service.” Khanna added that with these reforms, the govt aims to not only strengthen transparency in outsourcing but also set a new model of employment and good governance in the state.
