Can Contract Workers in Government Jobs Transition to Permanent Roles? Seeking Advice and Guidance

I am working as a contract laborer in a government organization. I have been working here for two years without any breaks, consistently performing the same job in the same office during this time.

Eligibility for Permanency

In the event that the contract comes to a close, would I be eligible to claim permanency? Is there a possibility for this to happen? If so, could you please outline the rules and procedures for transitioning my position to a permanent one?

Guidance for Securing Position

Alternatively, if permanency is not an option, I would appreciate guidance on the steps I can take to secure my position.

Thank you for your assistance.

Regards,
Akki

There are no specific provisions made for contract labor regarding permanency on the job. The contract labor itself is regulated or abolished as per the job requirements in the establishment. However, the contractor needs to provide welfare amenities to his laborers as facilitated to permanent workmen, such as leave, canteen, restrooms, latrines, drinking water, etc. Please refer to the Contract Labor Act. If the contractor is unable to provide the necessary amenities, then it is the liability of the Principal Employer to provide the same.

About 180 days of working in one establishment, the Principal Employer urges the Contractor to rotate his laborers. If groups of laborers are engaged for a job for the whole year in one establishment, there are chances of a permanency claim in the establishment from laborers. I have come across several permanency claims in my career. The Employer must be careful.

The Employer should not directly give instructions to laborers. The Contractor or his Supervisor should be the mediator. The laborers should not feel that they are part and parcel of the Principal Employer.

Regards, Rajeev Kumar

Bangalore