In a decisive move affecting over 2,000 outsourced employees, the Uttarakhand High Court has directed the Forest Department to continue the engagement of staff despite a change in the salary head under which their wages are drawn. The order ensures uninterrupted service and timely payment, highlighting the Court’s insistence on protecting employees from administrative technicalities that threaten their livelihoods.
The dispute arose when several employees engaged through outsourcing agencies, including UPNL, were informed that their services could be discontinued due to a change in the payment head, despite ongoing departmental requirements. Petitioners argued that they were essential to the Forest Department and had been consistently paid under prior arrangements, citing government orders recognizing their roles.
The State contended that payments under the new head were restricted to sanctioned posts, creating a technical hurdle for continued engagement and salary disbursement.
The High Court rejected the department’s reasoning, noting that the employees’ services remain necessary and administrative technicalities cannot justify halting engagement. The bench observed, “As long as the petitioners’ services are required and the only difference lies with the mode of payment, their engagement shall not be dispensed with.”
Consequently, the Court stayed the impugned government orders dated 18.07.2023 and 17.11.2023, directing the department to ensure regular and arrear payments and maintain staff employment until the matter is finally decided.
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