In a major policy initiative aimed at safeguarding the rights of contractual and outsourced workers, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the Uttar Pradesh Outsource Service Corporation (UPCOS) in Lucknow on Wednesday. Under this newly established framework, private outsourcing agencies will no longer possess the authority to unilaterally dismiss employees from their roles. Any company seeking to remove an outsourced worker must first submit a formal request and obtain explicit approval from the state government. The administration will conduct a thorough official inquiry into any allegations against the worker, ensuring that no employee is terminated or harassed on the basis of baseless complaints.
Strict Oversight on Dismissals and Prevention of Worker Exploitation
Addressing the launch event, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that any form of harassment against outsourced staff will face strict state intervention. The primary objective of the new system is to curb arbitrary practices by private staffing vendors and provide absolute job stability to workers. Under the mandated procedure, if a vendor files a complaint against an employee, the state will initiate an independent administrative investigation. As per details shared on X, if the investigation concludes that the charges are unfounded or false, no punitive measure will be taken against the staff member, thereby eliminating retaliatory firings by agencies.
Cashless Healthcare and Medical Benefits Up to ₹5 Lakh
The state government has incorporated an extensive health security package into the UPCOS framework. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath explained that financial contributions meant for Employee State Insurance (ESI) will now be transferred directly to participating hospitals. In instances where a specific medical facility lacks requisite infrastructure or treatment options, workers will be seamlessly integrated into a comprehensive cashless medical care scheme. This initiative guarantees cashless health treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh per year covering the employee and their entire family. Additionally, the policy guarantees full maternity benefits for eligible female workers.
Comprehensive Insurance and Fire Disaster Coverage Up to ₹50 Lakh
To insulate families of outsourced employees from unforeseen financial distress, UPCOS incorporates robust insurance mechanisms. In the tragic event of an accidental death or disability, the deceased or injured employee's family will receive accident insurance coverage ranging between ₹20 lakh and ₹50 lakh. Furthermore, if a worker is impacted by a major fire incident, the corporation will provide immediate financial relief of up to ₹10 lakh to support the affected family.
Financial Assistance for Children's Education, Marriage, and Banking Inclusion
The state welfare framework extends well beyond immediate job security into long-term family support. In cases involving major untoward incidents or fatalities, the scheme provides financial aid of up to ₹8 lakh for a son's education and up to ₹10 lakh to support a daughter's higher studies. Financial assistance will also be disbursed to support the marriage of an employee's daughter. To ensure smooth, transparent wage transfers and financial inclusion, all enrolled staff will be provided zero-balance bank accounts, with essential benefits extended to up to four family members.
Digital Governance and Transformation of Staff from Burden to State Assets
Reflecting on previous administrative practices, the Chief Minister remarked that outsourced staff were historically viewed as a burden and subjected to systemic exploitation. The state administration has now reframed its perspective, recognizing these workers as vital human capital and economic assets of Uttar Pradesh. To enforce complete operational transparency, the government officially unveiled the dedicated UPCOS web portal and digital platform. This digital architecture will centralize human resource records, streamline payroll and benefit distribution, and eliminate middleman interference, ensuring long-term dignity and security for workers.
