A committee, comprising ministers and commissioners of Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC), formed to work on plans to regularise contract employees has made significant headway.
This update was shared by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay during the question hour session at the National Council (NC) yesterday. “The government is in discussions with the RCSC to finalise the creation of para-regular employees,” said Lyonchhen.
The government’s pledge to regularise contract employees was a major election campaign promise.
However, controversy arose following the Prime Minister’s announcement that the RCSC had proposed a para-regular status for contract employees instead of full-time regular employment during the fourth Meet-the-Press session on March 30 this year.
The push for regularisation is expected to address longstanding concerns about the disparity in benefits and job security of contract employees.
Some contract employees have served for longer periods without access to the same facilities and perks enjoyed by their regular counterparts. This lack of parity has been viewed as unfair, particularly for those approaching retirement, who may struggle financially without the same level of benefits.
In addition, contract employees often faced difficulties in obtaining loans and other financial support due to their employment status.
The NC member from Trashigang, Sonam Tobgyel, questioned the Prime Minister about the government’s plans to regularise contract employees and inquired about initiatives to ensure these employees have access to basic services and entitlements such as loans, transfer grants, vacation, and post-service benefits.
The NC member stated that current contract employees are appointed for up to three years, subject to renewal based on performance and organisational needs as per the Bhutan Civil Service Rules and Regulations of 2023.
“These rules have resulted in job insecurity, limited stability, and reduced benefits for these employees,” he said.
He added that despite their integral role, contract employees face significant challenges, including limited access to loans, post-service benefits, and career progression opportunities.
Responding to these concerns, the Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by contract employees and reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfill the election promise.
Lyonchhen stated that while the government plans to grant regular status to contract employees, the authority for such changes lies with the RCSC.
The government has proposed increasing the contract renewal term from three to five years, making employees eligible for provident funds, pension, and loans under a para-regular service type.
Lyonchhen argued that keeping long-term employees on short-term contracts does not make sense, citing examples of teachers serving over 15 years on contract.
Of the 29,500 civil servants in the country today, 5,678 are contract employees, accounting for 19 percent. The education sector has the highest number of contract employees, with 2,638 teachers on contract.
