Nepal contract workers protest government outsourcing plan

Thousands of contract workers in Nepal have launched protests against a government plan to replace their current hiring system with a public company or outsourced service providers. The workers fear this change will lead to widespread job losses, as their fixed-term contracts, usually renewed in mid-July, are now uncertain.

Gathering at Singha Durbar, the government complex, over 100 contract employees lobbied ministers and secretaries, demanding the proposal's withdrawal and guaranteed employment. They met with the Minister for Land Management, Co-operatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration, Pratibha Rawal, Finance Secretary Ghanshyam Upadhyaya, and law secretary Pushkar Sapkota.

The protests stem from a recommendation by a high-level task force, led by Prime Minister’s Office Secretary Kiran Raj Sharma. The task force proposed that support services and routine technical functions be handled by a government-owned public limited company or outsourced to private providers. This recommendation covers a wide range of positions, including cleaners, office assistants, drivers, and technicians.

Contract employees expressed frustration, stating they become targets whenever governments change. "It is unfair to throw thousands of employees out without considering how they will support their families," said Chiranjivi Nepal, a contract employee at the Department of Survey. He added, "That is exactly what we have been telling ministers and secretaries."

The task force has instructed ministries to consolidate existing contract staff into a government-wide pool while the new system is prepared, aiming for a transition within three months. This move has alarmed employees who have faced similar uncertainties in the past.

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We become the target every time the government changes. Whoever comes to power tries to get rid of us. It is unfair to throw thousands of employees out without considering how they will support their families. That is exactly what we have been telling ministers and secretaries.