UP Cabinet approves Outsource Service Corporation, electric bus plan, new export policy, university
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 27 (HBTV): In a move to make outsourcing services more transparent, accountable, and employee-friendly, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved the formation of the Uttar Pradesh Outsource Service Corporation Limited.
According to a release, the decision was taken in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, where 15 proposals were cleared, including this major step to safeguard the interests of outsourcing workers.
The corporation, established under Section-8 of the Companies Act, 2013, will function as a non-profit public limited company. From now on, outsourcing agencies will no longer be selected directly by departments; instead, the corporation will empanel agencies through a fair and transparent process via the GeM portal.
Under the new system, outsourced employees will be appointed for three years, with an honorarium of INR 16,000 to INR 20,000 per month. Salaries will be transferred directly to employees' bank accounts between the 1st and 5th of every month, along with EPF and ESI contributions, ensuring financial security. In case of irregularities, services can be terminated immediately.
Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna stated that the corporation was necessary because agencies had previously failed to provide workers with their full honorarium and often neglected mandatory EPF and ESI contributions. ‘This step will eliminate irregularities and guarantee every employee their rightful dues,’ he said.
The framework also provides social security and reservation benefits. SC, ST, OBC, EWS, Divyangjan, ex-servicemen, and women will receive reservation as per constitutional provisions. Women employees will be entitled to maternity leave, while all workers will receive periodic training to enhance skills. Additionally, INR 15,000 will be provided as funeral assistance in case of death during service.
With this reform, the Yogi government aims to not only strengthen transparency in outsourcing but also set a new model of employment and good governance in Uttar Pradesh.
In a major step towards modernising urban transport, the Cabinet has approved the operation of electric buses on the Net Cost Contract (NCC) model in Lucknow district, Kanpur city, and adjoining towns.
Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma informed that 743 e-buses are currently operating across 15 municipal corporations in the state, of which 700 run on the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model. Under the new scheme, 9-metre-long AC e-buses will ply on 10 routes each in Lucknow and Kanpur, with at least 10 buses on every route. The contract will remain valid for 12 years from the date of commercial operation.
Each route is expected to cost around INR 10.30 crore, including INR 9.50 crore for bus procurement and INR 0.80 crore for charging and allied infrastructure. Private operators will be responsible for the design, financing, procurement, supply, and maintenance of buses. They must supply prototype buses within 90 days and commence operations within a year.
According to the model, fare and non-fare revenue will be collected by private operators, while tariffs will be set and revised by the government. The state will facilitate operations by providing licences, permits, behind-the-meter electrical infrastructure, and charging facilities. The government expects the NCC model to reduce financial burden on the exchequer while improving the quality and reliability of urban transport services.
To make Uttar Pradesh a global export hub, the Cabinet has approved the Export Promotion Policy 2025-30, an upgraded version of the 2020-25 policy. The new policy places emphasis on digital technology, infrastructure development, financial assistance, export credit and insurance, market expansion, and training and capacity building.
Its target is to increase the number of registered exporters by 50 percent by 2030 while ensuring regional balance by linking all districts with export activities. The government expects the policy to not only boost the quality and volume of exports but also strengthen Uttar Pradesh's position as a major global export hub.
The Cabinet has also approved the proposal to establish Swami Shukdevanand University in Shahjahanpur by upgrading the academic units of the Mumuksh Ashram Trust. Currently, five institutions operate under the trust: Swami Shukdevanand College, Swami Shukdevanand Law College, Shri Daivik Sampad Brahmacharya Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Shri Dharmanand Saraswati Inter College, and Shri Shankar Mumuksh Vidyapeeth. Once established, the university will oversee their functioning.
According to the District Magistrate's report, the trust owns 21.01 acres of land, of which about 20 acres will be allocated to the university. In the first phase, an MoU will be signed between the Higher Education Department and the Mumuksh Ashram Trust, after which formal proceedings will be carried out under the Uttar Pradesh State University Act, 1973.
(ANI)