Chandigarh: BJP delegation meets chief secretary, discusses contractual employees’ demands

On June 4, 2025, a delegation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) met with the Chief Secretary of Chandigarh, Rajeev Verma, to talk about the problems faced by contractual employees working in Chandigarh’s government departments and municipal corporation.

The delegation was led by Arun Sood, former BJP Chandigarh president and senior party leader. Along with him were other important members, including Harpreet Babla (Mayor of Chandigarh), Devendra Babla (BJP Chandigarh vice-president), and several other party workers.

This meeting was important because it gave a voice to the contractual employees who have been waiting for a long time to get their problems solved. The delegation also represented the All Contractual Employees Union of India, Chandigarh, which included union leaders like Yashpal Tiwari, Sanjeev Grover, Ashok Kumar, and Bipin Sher Singh.

Background of contractual employees in Chandigarh

Contractual employees are those workers hired on contracts, usually for a fixed time or specific tasks, instead of permanent jobs. They often work in important government services but do not have the same job security or benefits as permanent staff.

In Chandigarh, many contract workers serve in different departments such as municipal services, health, sewerage, fire safety, and other essential areas. They play a vital role in keeping the city running smoothly by doing important jobs like cleaning streets, maintaining water supplies, working in hospitals, and fighting fires.

Despite their contributions, these employees face challenges like job insecurity, irregular payments, lack of proper facilities, and fear of losing their jobs whenever the government changes its policies.

During the meeting with Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma, the BJP delegation presented a detailed memorandum that listed the problems of contractual workers and suggested solutions.

Some of the main issues raised were:

1. Job Security: The delegation asked that contractual employees should be allowed to work until their retirement age without sudden termination. This would give workers peace of mind and help them support their families.

2. Reinstatement of Fired Employees: The delegation requested that certain workers who were fired, including firemen, tubewell operators, nurses, and laboratory staff from the ESI Hospital, should be brought back to their jobs. They argued that these workers were essential and deserved to continue serving.

3. Biometric Attendance for Sewerage Workers: The delegation emphasized the need to implement biometric attendance systems for sewerage workers at their actual workplaces. This would help in proper monitoring and fair treatment of these workers.

4. Timely Supply of Materials: Temporary sewerage workers often use supplies like oil and soap in their work. The delegation stressed that these supplies should be given to them on time to maintain hygiene and help them work efficiently.

5. Fear About Rationalisation of Jobs: Recently, the Chandigarh administration started collecting data from departments about contract and outsourced workers working against sanctioned posts. This move created fear among many temporary workers because they were uncertain if their jobs were safe. The delegation asked for a clear and transparent process that protects the workers and does not harm their future employment.

Importance of these demands

The demands are important because contractual workers form a backbone of many public services. Without them, many essential tasks like cleaning, water supply, fire safety, and healthcare would face disruptions.

When workers do not feel secure in their jobs, it affects their performance and the quality of public services. Moreover, many of these workers are from economically weaker sections and depend fully on their job for livelihood. If they lose their jobs suddenly, their families suffer too.

By asking for job security and fair treatment, the delegation is trying to protect the interests of these workers and ensure that the city’s services run without problems.

Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma listened carefully to all the concerns raised by the delegation. He thanked the contractual employees for their hard work and contributions in running the city’s services smoothly.

Verma assured the delegation that the government takes these issues seriously and will act promptly. He promised to work with the relevant departments to find solutions that are fair and protect the workers’ rights.

He also said that the rationalisation process – reviewing the number of contract workers compared to permanent posts – will be done transparently. The goal is to balance the needs of the administration and the welfare of the employees.

The situation in Chandigarh reflects a wider issue faced by contractual employees all over India. Many government and private organizations hire workers on contract for lower costs but often fail to provide them with job security, benefits, or respect.

There have been many protests and demands across the country for regularisation of contract jobs, better pay, and safer working conditions. Governments have been urged to create clear policies that protect contract workers and give them rights similar to permanent employees.

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Why contract workers matter

Contract workers are everywhere — in hospitals, schools, government offices, cleaning services, transport, and many other sectors. They keep daily life moving but often work without permanent jobs or security.

Their demands, like in Chandigarh, include:

• Job security to avoid sudden layoffs.

• Fair wages and timely payments.

• Access to basic facilities like leave, medical help, and safety equipment.

• Recognition for their hard work and experience.

The BJP delegation’s meeting with the chief secretary is a positive step because it shows that the government is listening. However, the real work will be in taking steps to implement these demands.

To help contract workers, the administration may:

• Create clear rules for how contract workers are hired, retained, or let go.

• Offer them benefits similar to permanent workers.

• Provide training and opportunities for skill development.

• Ensure all departments follow fair procedures during rationalisation.

This will help workers feel secure, work better, and continue supporting the city’s services.

Contractual workers are an important part of Chandigarh’s workforce, and their demands deserve attention. The BJP delegation’s meeting with Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma highlights these issues and pushes for solutions that protect workers’ jobs and rights.

With promises from the administration to act, contract workers hope for a better future where they can work without fear and with dignity.