Latest news with #UPCOS
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
UP CM's nod to service corporation for hiring outsourced staff
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday approved the establishment of the Uttar Pradesh Outsource Service Corporation (UPCOS)—a dedicated body aimed at bringing transparency, stability and trust in the employment of outsourced staff in state government departments. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath (File) Reservation provisions for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), economically weaker sections (EWS), women, Divyangjan and ex-servicemen will be followed in all appointments made by the proposed corporation. The corporation will give priority to destitute, divorced and abandoned women. The establishment of UPCOS is being termed as a landmark decision of the Yogi government to safeguard labour rights, remuneration, and social security of lakhs of outsourced personnel across Uttar Pradesh. With the establishment of UPCOS the BJP government aims to counter the opposition tirade about denial of employment opportunities for OBCs, SCs and STs in the recruitment of outsourced staff in various departments. In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the Opposition had raised the issue to corner the state government. The NDA allies, including the Apna Dal (S), Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party and the NISHAD party, had also sought reservation in the recruitment of outsourced workers. At a high-level meeting on Thursday, the chief minister issued directives to senior officials regarding the proposed corporation's structure, functioning, and scope. He emphasized that the state government is fully committed to upholding the dignity, rights and socio-economic interests of outsourced workers. Highlighting the flaws in the current decentralised outsourcing system—such as delayed payments, unauthorised deductions, denial of EPF/ESI benefits, and lack of transparency—the chief minister stressed the urgent need for systemic reform. He said the proposed corporation will be formed under the Company Act. A Board of Directors and a director general will be appointed under the chairmanship of the chief secretary. Committees will also be formed at the divisional and district level. Agencies will be selected through the GEM portal for a minimum of three years. It will also be ensured that the services of the currently employed personnel are not interrupted, and they receive weightage based on their experience in the selection process. He directed the officers that the remuneration of all outsourced personnel be sent directly to their bank accounts by the fifth of every month, and that the amounts for EPF and ESI should be deposited on time. Additionally, all benefits allowed by EPF, ESIC and banks should also be provided to the employees. He clarified that the corporation should maintain its role as a regulatory body, which monitors the functioning of the agencies and ensures blacklisting, debarment, penalties, and legal action for violations of the rules. No outsourcing should be done against regular posts, and no personnel should be removed without the approval of a competent departmental authority, the CM said. Reaffirming his government's commitment to employee dignity, social justice, and administrative accountability, he said UPCOS will open a new chapter in governance. This initiative will not only benefit lakhs of outsourced workers but also enhance the overall efficiency and integrity of the state's administrative system, he added.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UP to set up corporation to safeguard service rights of outsourced workers
Lucknow: The state govt has decided to set up the Uttar Pradesh Outsource Service Corporation ( UPCOS ) for the protection of the service rights of workers, their entitlements, and fair remuneration. "A service provider agency should not remove any employee without the recommendation of the competent authority of the concerned department, and full remuneration must be credited directly to employees' bank accounts by the 5th of every month," said CM Yogi Adityanath , on whose directions the corporation is being set up. "The state govt is committed to upholding the dignity, security, and social justice of all personnel. This corporation will not only bring transparency to the administrative system but also instil stability and confidence in the lives of lakhs of outsourcing workers," the CM said, asking officials to prepare a proposal for this at the earliest. The body will serve to safeguard the interests of outsourced personnel, their social and economic security. During discussions, the CM highlighted the existing challenges faced by outsourced workers, such as salary deductions, delayed payments, denial of provident fund benefits, lack of transparent recruitment, and workplace harassment, and called for systemic reforms to ensure better work conditions for lakhs of workers. Among the rules that are likely to be put in place with the formation of the corporation are strict actions against agencies that violate regulations, including blacklisting, debarment, financial penalties, and legal proceedings. Provisions to this effect will be clearly defined within the corporation's structure. The CM further said that all appointments through the outsourcing corporation must strictly follow reservation norms, and benefits such as medical facilities, maternity leave, accident insurance, pension, and family pension will also be provided to outsourced personnel. "The corporation will operate through a structured three-party agreement involving the respective department, the corporation, and the outsourcing agency. It will ensure a transparent recruitment process, agency selection via the GeM portal, merit-based hiring, use of modern technology, timely compliance with EPF/ESI regulations, and adherence to reservation policies," the official added. UPCOS' administrative framework will comprise a board of directors, an advisory committee, and state and district-level committees. Outsourcing agencies will be selected for a term of three years via the GeM portal.
Hindustan Times
25-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
U.P. to set up corporation to protect outsourced workers' rights
The state government is setting up Uttar Pradesh Outsource Service Corporation (UPCOS) to protect the interests of outsourced personnel, their service rights, labour entitlements, and ensure them fair remuneration. The UPCOS is being created following directives from chief minister Yogi Adityanath. The CM viewed a presentation about the creation of the outsource service corporation on Friday and laid emphasis on the state's deep respect for the contributions of outsourcing personnel, recognising their commitment to public service. He reiterated that the state government's priority was to ensure their social and economic security. The state government had made an announcement about setting up the corporation in the state's annual budget for 2025-2026. The CM asked officials to prepare and present the necessary proposal as soon as possible and stressed the need for systemic reforms and said the outsourced workers faced challenges such as salary deductions, delayed payments, denial of EPF/ESI benefits, lack of transparent recruitment and workplace harassment. About shaping the framework of the proposed corporation, Yogi said a service provider agency should not remove any employee without the recommendation of the competent authority of the concerned department. He said full remuneration must be credited directly to employees' bank accounts by the 5th of every month and timely deposits of EPF and ESI contributions must be ensured. The CM said strict action—including blacklisting, debarment, financial penalties and legal proceedings—will be taken against agencies that violate regulations. He said provisions to this effect will be clearly defined within the corporation's structure. Yogi said all appointments through the outsourcing corporation must strictly follow reservation norms. Benefits such as medical facilities, maternity leave, accident insurance, pension, and family pension will also be provided to outsourcing personnel through the proposed UPCOS. He said the corporation will operate through a structured three-party agreement involving the respective department, the corporation, and the outsourcing agency. It will ensure a transparent recruitment process, agency selection via the GeM portal, merit-based hiring, use of modern technology, timely compliance with EPF/ESI regulations and adherence to reservation policies. The CM said the corporation will function under a robust administrative framework comprising a board of directors, an advisory committee and state/district-level committees. He said outsourcing agencies will be selected for a term of three years via the GeM portal, with assurances that the employment of currently engaged personnel will not be disrupted. 'The state government is committed to upholding the dignity, security, and social justice of all personnel,' Yogi said, adding, 'This corporation will not only bring transparency to the administrative system but also instill stability and confidence in the lives of lakhs of outsourcing workers.'
