Four Bills Passed Amid Controversy in Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Including Government Employee Recruitment Amendment

Dharamshala (Shimla): Four significant bills, including the Government Employee Recruitment and Service Conditions Amendment Bill, were passed in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Friday, amid heated opposition debates and sharp disagreements. The primary focus of the amendments is the distinction between regular and contract employees, which has sparked intense discussions regarding the future benefits and promotions for contract workers.

Key Bill Changes and Opposition Outcry

The Government Employee Recruitment and Service Conditions Amendment Bill separates the service conditions of regular employees from those on contract. This decision was made to clarify the policy that has caused confusion, particularly in relation to contract employees receiving benefits similar to those of regular employees. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu defended the bill, explaining that treating contract workers the same as regular employees would significantly burden the state’s finances and disrupt the seniority of permanent staff.

Sukhu also addressed concerns regarding a potential error in the previous legislation that threatened the seniority of regular employees, with some even taking the issue to court. The Chief Minister emphasized that this amendment corrects that issue.

The opposition, led by BJP members, strongly criticized the bill. BJP MLA Trilok Jamwal pointed out that the amendment, which has a retrospective effect, could cause issues for contract workers, particularly regarding their promotions. MLAs Jeetram Katwal and Randhir Sharma also expressed concerns about the bill’s retrospective application, suggesting it should be reconsidered before implementation.

Zero Hour Introduced and Key Debates in the Assembly

For the first time, the Himachal Assembly held a “Zero Hour” to discuss public interest matters. During this session, several MLAs raised pressing concerns, reflecting the growing tension in the Assembly. This development, which aligns with practices in the Lok Sabha, provides a dedicated time for urgent discussions before the official proceedings begin.

Bhota Hospital Land Transfer Approved Amid Controversy

The Bhujot Maximum Limit Amendment Bill, which allows the transfer of 30 acres of land at Bhota Hospital in Hamirpur, was also passed. However, opposition parties voiced concerns about the speed at which the bill was being passed, with calls to send it to a Select Committee for further examination. Despite these objections, the bill was passed by voice vote, allowing the Radhaswami Satsang Bhota Hospital and its land to be transferred to the Jagat Singh Seva Trust.

Opposition Leader Jairam Thakur argued that the bill should not be rushed and that it should be carefully reviewed by a Select Committee. In response, Chief Minister Sukhu reiterated that the state’s interests were paramount, and he emphasized that the government was not granting land to entrepreneurs at below-market rates, as had occurred under the previous administration. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi clarified that the bill would allow religious or charitable organizations to transfer land, but only up to 30 acres, under specific conditions.

The passing of these bills highlights ongoing tensions and differing political views within the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, as the government seeks to implement its policy changes while addressing the concerns of both regular and contract employees, as well as managing land allocation for charitable purposes.