SRI VIJAYA PURAM | OCTOBER 29, 2026 | DWEEP TULIKA | ANDAMAN NEWS

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Andaman and Nicobar State Committee, has opposed the outsourcing of regular government work under the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and urged the Chief Secretary to reconsider the existing policy and restore direct recruitment by government departments.

In a press release dated October 28, CITU General Secretary B. Chandrachoodan said in a letter to the Chief Secretary that the Administration had increasingly relied on outsourcing during the past three years, replacing the earlier practice of directly engaging workers on casual or contract bases. He claimed that almost all departments had shifted to outsourcing manpower for regular work and centrally sponsored scheme-related activities.

CITU Alleges Labour Law Violations

CITU alleged that contractors engaged for outsourced work had committed widespread labour law violations and exploited workers. According to the organisation, some workers were not receiving wages fixed by the Labour Commissioner despite departments paying the contractors, while others were allegedly denied leave or required to work for more than eight hours.

The union also claimed that outsourced workers faced job insecurity because contractors could remove them from service on various grounds. It criticised the Labour Department for what it described as a failure to effectively monitor contractors and act on alleged violations.

These allegations were made by CITU in its representation to the Chief Secretary. Independent verification of the specific complaints, departmental responses and any enforcement action was not available in the press release.

Union Questions Financial Benefits of Outsourcing

CITU also questioned whether outsourcing was financially beneficial to the Administration. The organisation claimed that the government was spending more on outsourced work than it would have spent on directly recruited workers.

According to the union, contractors charged commissions amounting to approximately 5% to 10% of the total value of outsourcing work, with the rate varying by department and competition among bidders.

The press release did not provide departmental expenditure figures, individual contract values or a comparative cost analysis to substantiate the claim. The financial implications would therefore require examination of relevant contracts, tender documents and government expenditure records.

CITU Calls for Direct Recruitment

Arguing that the government has a responsibility to protect workers' welfare and ensure dignified working conditions, CITU said outsourcing regular work could deprive employees of statutory benefits and leave them dependent on contractors.

The organisation also expressed concern that the policy could limit employment opportunities for educated young people in the islands.

CITU has urged the Chief Secretary to review the current outsourcing policy and take steps to recruit workers directly through the departments concerned. It said direct recruitment could help prevent exploitation, provide employment opportunities to unemployed youth and support dignified livelihoods.

Government Response Awaited

The press release did not include a response from the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the Labour Department or the contractors concerned. It also did not identify specific departments, contracts or individual cases associated with the alleged violations.

The central questions include whether the alleged labour violations have been formally reported and investigated, how outsourcing costs compare with direct recruitment, and what safeguards are in place to ensure compliance with labour laws.

The Administration's response and relevant records would be necessary to assess the claims and determine whether changes to the outsourcing policy are under consideration.

Source: CITU Andaman and Nicobar State Committee press release dated October 28, 2026.

— Dweep Tulika News Desk