Imagine working at the same job for 10 or 15 years — showing up every morning, doing the same work as permanent staff, but never getting job security or proper benefits. This is the reality for thousands of daily wage workers in Haryana government offices and departments.
Now, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has stepped in and told the Haryana government to stop this unfair practice. The court has ordered the government to regularise these long-term daily wagers — basically convert them into permanent employees with proper salaries and benefits.
What Did The Court Say?
The judges were critical of how Haryana had been treating these workers. The court called it an “unfair labour practice” — meaning the government was treating workers badly and breaking labour rules.
According to the court’s order, daily wagers who have worked continuously for many years cannot be kept in temporary positions indefinitely. They deserve the same job security and benefits as other government employees.
The court said this practice affects thousands of people who depend on their daily wages to feed their families. Many of these workers are educated and skilled, but never got permanent positions simply because of bureaucratic processes.
Why This Matters For You
This decision affects not just Haryana, but shows a pattern across many Indian states. Governments everywhere hire daily wagers for months or years, avoiding permanent hiring to save money. Workers get stuck in a loop — no pension, no medical benefits, no job security.
The court’s ruling sends a message: you cannot exploit workers indefinitely just because they’re “temporary.” If someone does a job regularly for years, they deserve permanent status.
Labour experts say this is important because it protects vulnerable workers. Many daily wagers come from lower-income backgrounds and need stable income. Without permanent jobs, they struggle to get loans for homes or their children’s education.
The Haryana government now has to follow this order. They’ll need to identify all eligible daily wagers and process their regularisation. This will cost money, but the court made clear that saving costs cannot come at workers’ expense.
Similar cases are pending in other states too, so this Haryana ruling could influence how other governments handle their temporary workforce. It’s a reminder that even in government jobs, workers have rights that courts will protect.