AP JAC urges govt. to implement HR policy for outsourcing employees

The Hindu

26-06-2025

The AP JAC (Amaravati) and the Contract and Outsourcing Employees Association have urged the State's coalition government to implement a dedicated Human Resource Policy for outsourcing employees, similar to the provisions extended to SERP and MEPMA employees.
A delegation led by AP JAC Chairman Bopparaju, Association President K. Suman, General Secretary E. Madhu Babu, and Vice President Pasupuleti Shiva Saida Rao submitted a detailed memorandum to the Finance Minister and AP COS study committee member Payyavula Keshav on Thursday.
The association highlighted the high hopes outsourcing employees had from the current coalition government, especially given the pro-employee steps taken during the 2014–19 TDP tenure. These included a 50% salary hike, GO Ms.No.119 granting ₹15,000 towards miscellaneous expenses, GO Ms.No.17 granting 180 days of maternity leave to female employees, and GO Ms.No.25 providing ex gratia for accidental or natural death.
Key demands include the immediate implementation of HR policy for outsourcing employees through AP Corporation for Outsourced Services (APCOS); framing of exclusive service rules for full-time outsourcing staff in government departments; seniority-based increment benefits for long-serving employees; extension of all welfare schemes promised in the coalition manifesto to outsourcing workers; and provision of 30 days paid medical leave annually.
They also cited the hardships faced under the previous administration, including only a 23% salary hike and the loss of welfare benefits due to treating employees as government staff under CFMS, leading to a withdrawal of schemes. Several private agency-led exploitation was also mentioned, where salaries were withheld or embezzled, seeking government intervention via the PD Act for recovery.
The delegation expressed gratitude to the government for setting up a Cabinet subcommittee on outsourcing employees soon after assuming power and demanded swift, favourable action on long-pending issues.
In response, Mr. Keshav assured the delegation of the government's intention to deliver better services to the public through outsourcing employees and that there was no plan to dismantle APCOS. He said all concerns will be thoroughly reviewed, and if necessary, the Group of Ministers will consult all stakeholders before arriving at a decision.