Labour Ministry declines to confirm equal pay policy for outsourced staff

The question asked the Ministry of Labour and Employment to state if contractual and outsourced employment is increasing compared to regular appointments, why such employees do not receive the same benefits as regular staff, and if the government plans to adopt 'Equal Pay for Equal Work' principles.

Asked and answered by: Asked by Shri Ram Shiromani Verma; Answered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment (Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya).

What the government said

• Engagement of contractual/outsourced employees is decentralized and data is maintained by respective establishments.
• Four Labour Codes (Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security, Occupational Safety) came into force on 21.11.2025.
• Central Rules under the four Labour Codes were notified on 08.05.2026.
• Provisions include universalization of minimum wages, prohibition of discrimination, and mandatory appointment letters.
• Employers must provide free annual health check-ups and set up grievance redressal committees for contract workers.
• Social security is provided through EPFO and ESIC.

Also in the document

• The answer does not provide the specific department-wise data for the last five years requested in part (a), stating instead that data is maintained by respective establishments.
• The answer does not explicitly confirm or deny the specific proposal to regularize employees or adopt a new policy for 'Equal Pay for Equal Work' as requested in part (c), but lists existing protections under the new Labour Codes.