PSPCL to bring 6k outsourced complaint workers under direct contract system

Chandigarh: The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has approved a major workforce reform that will bring at least 5,993 outsourced complaint handling workers under the corporation's direct contractual framework.The move, cleared by the PSPCL chairperson-cum-managing director, is expected to provide greater job security to workers engaged in complaint handling and field maintenance operations across Punjab's electricity distribution network.Welcoming the decision, Power Comm & Transco Theka Mulazim Union president Balihar Singh said the reform would end exploitation by private contractors."For a long time, we had been protesting and demanding regularisation. We welcome the govt's decision to bring us under a direct contractual framework, as it will end exploitation by private contractors," he said.Balihar Singh said the decision came after a 16-day agitation in Ludhiana and a two-week protest outside the PSPCL head office in Patiala."On average, one worker lost his life every day in work-related incidents, yet victims and their families continued to struggle for compensation. These reforms have also led to an increase in our salaries," he added.Under the new policy, workers who have completed three or more years of service and possess the required technical qualifications will be offered direct contracts immediately. Those yet to complete three years of service will become eligible after meeting the experience requirement.To bridge skill gaps, PSPCL will conduct a mandatory 10-day practical training programme at the divisional level for workers lacking the prescribed qualifications. Candidates will also have to clear a basic technical competency test at PSPCL training institutes before being considered for contractual engagement.As per the framework, contracts will be renewed annually up to the age of 58 years, subject to satisfactory performance and absence of serious misconduct.While no upper age limit has been prescribed for initial eligibility in view of the workers' existing service, medical fitness will be mandatory.Workers will also be required to use a dedicated PSPCL mobile application for complaint monitoring and field reporting. Their performance will be assessed mainly on the timely resolution of consumer complaints.The policy also revises wages, with workers to be paid according to Punjab govt-notified rates for skilled labour. PSPCL has additionally introduced a special allowance equivalent to the earlier contractor margin along with 18% of the basic pay.According to the May 2026 wage structure, gross monthly earnings will be around Rs 24,442, while net take-home salary after statutory deductions such as EPF and ESI will be approximately Rs 22,485. The package also includes allowances for bike maintenance, mobile usage and uniforms.