Shimla, Dec 19,
In a sharp critique of its INDIA alliance partner, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has condemned the Himachal Pradesh government’s introduction of “The Himachal Pradesh Recruitment and Conditions of Service of Government Employees Bill, 2024.” The legislation, tabled during the winter session of the state assembly, has drawn flak for its perceived disregard for employees’ rights and service conditions.
Also read: Bill tabled to address Govt service Recruitment and Service Conditions in Himachal assembly
Newly-elected CPI(M) State Secretary Sanjay Chauhan, referencing the Supreme Court’s 1990 judgment in the case of Direct Recruit Class II Engineering Officer’s Association vs. State of Maharashtra, highlighted that uninterrupted service until regularization must be counted for seniority. Chauhan also pointed out that multiple judgments, including those from the Himachal Pradesh High Court, have affirmed that services rendered on a contractual basis should count towards seniority, pension, and increments.
The CPI(M) underscored the staffing shortfall in government departments, noting that in 1974, when Himachal Pradesh had a population of 36 lakh, there were 1.76 lakh government employees. Despite the population doubling since then, the current number of employees has only marginally increased to 1.86 lakh. Chauhan emphasized that this deficiency adversely affects public services and called for a permanent recruitment drive to fill all vacant positions. The party demanded the immediate withdrawal of the bill, which it said was introduced hastily without due consideration.
Guest lecturer policy draws flak
The CPI(M) also took a stand against the government’s decision to hire guest lecturers in government schools and colleges, citing approximately 12,000 vacant positions across these institutions. “This policy will degrade the quality of education and exploit educated youth,” Chauhan said, adding that permanent recruitment was essential to ensure high-quality education in the state.
The CPI(M) accused the Congress-led state government of blindly implementing the New Education Policy, similar to the approach taken by the central government. The party argued that education and healthcare are fundamental pillars of socio-economic progress and should not be compromised.
With over 8 lakh educated, unemployed youth awaiting jobs in the state, including many qualified through UGC-NET and TET, the CPI(M) criticized the government’s reliance on temporary appointments as a betrayal of the state’s skilled workforce. The party called for the immediate withdrawal of the guest lecturer policy and reiterated the need for permanent staffing across all educational and healthcare institutions.
The CPI(M)’s State Committee emphasized that only through permanent recruitment can public institutions deliver the quality services required for socio-economic development.
