Outsourced employees’ growing influence sparks controversy in municipal corporations

In the Municipal Corporations, the influence of outsourced employees is growing. Even after the resignation of one outsourced employee, he continues to occupy the position of Chief’s personal assistant (PA). This particular outsourced employee holds significant power within the corporation, such that they can transfer regular employees to other positions within a matter of minutes. Sangat Ram, a senior assistant who retired on December 31, 2021, from the office of Chief Engineer, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, resumed his services as a senior assistant (outsourced basis) in the corporation due to the smooth functioning of the system. Subsequently, on February 4, 2022, a regular employee was transferred to the position of Chief Engineer, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, which was occupied by Sangat Ram, now working as a private staff member. Orders have been issued by the Chief Engineer, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, for the immediate effect of Sangat Ram taking charge as the personal assistant (PA). Due to this, on September 1, 2023, Savita Sharma, Senior Scale Stenographer SE (B&R), MC, was transferred to the offices of Prakash Singh, Senior Scale Stenographer CMC, as a private staff member. Officers have been relieved from their respective positions, and there is no need for any separate order for new postings. The officers are upset about the situation and have strongly criticized the transfer of regular employees to outsourced employees. The officers state that the Municipal Commissioner is an honest officer, but at the lower level, many officers are transferring employees without permission from the Commissioner, which is against the rules.