Over 1,200 Contractual Employees in Haryana Lose Jobs as Contracts Not Extended..

Haryana : In a major setback for contractual employees in Haryana, the state government has not extended the contracts of over 1,200 employees, including 252 post-graduate teachers (PGTs) recruited through the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Limited (HKRNL). The affected employees were relieved of their duties as their positions have now been filled by permanent staff, according to official sources.

The decision has sparked political controversy, with opposition leaders criticizing the government for failing to honor its commitment to job security. Senior Congress leader Kumari Selja strongly condemned the move, reminding the public that Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had earlier assured that HKRNL employees completing five years of service would be retained until the age of 58. She urged the government to reinstate the terminated workers and provide them with a stable employment policy.

In response, Chief Minister Saini’s media advisor, Ashok Chhabra, defended the decision, stating that the affected employees were relieved because newly appointed permanent staff had taken over their roles, making their continuation unfeasible. However, he added that the government is actively exploring reassignment options for these employees in other vacant positions across the state.

This development has raised serious concerns about the implementation of the Haryana Contractual Employees (Security of Service) Bill, 2024, which was recently passed in the Haryana Assembly. The legislation was aimed at providing job security to contractual employees until they reach the age of 58, potentially benefiting around 1.2 lakh workers. However, with the latest contract terminations, doubts have emerged over the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of its contractual workforce.

The termination of these contracts has led to protests and unrest among worker unions and opposition parties. Several employees have expressed uncertainty about their future, demanding clarity from the government on job security policies. Many believe that the failure to extend contracts contradicts the assurances given by the government, raising questions about the stability of contractual jobs in Haryana.

With growing pressure from opposition leaders and contractual employees, all eyes are now on the Haryana government to see whether it will reconsider its decision or offer alternative solutions to the affected workers.