Jammu, Feb 5 — The NC-led Jammu and Kashmir government told the Legislative Assembly on Thursday that nearly 23,000 jobs were outsourced across the region in the past two years.
In a written reply to a question by MLA Sajad Ahmad Lone, the Finance Minister said a total of 22,886 positions were outsourced during the period.
“Over 16,000 jobs were outsourced to different companies, while more than 6,000 were outsourced to Government Medical Colleges and hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir,” the minister said.
He maintained that outsourcing was carried out in line with central guidelines and departmental agreements.
“The jobs are outsourced in terms of CSS guidelines or through MoUs executed by the departments. Outsourced manpower complements the workload of the government in lesser important assignments, rather than replacing the existing sanctioned strength of government staff,” the reply said.
The minister also stressed that transparent procedures were followed while selecting outsourcing agencies.
“The government follows the procedures laid down in GFR-2017 for selection of outsourcing agencies. All outsourcing is carried out through approved mechanisms such as e-tendering, the GeM Portal and prescribed GoI and UT guidelines,” he said.
According to the reply, these processes ensured accountability, improved service delivery and reduced public expenditure, while allowing manpower to be adjusted based on workload, project duration and scheme-based requirements.
The Finance Minister added that departments also adhere to the manual for procurement of consultancy and other services, including provisions related to Requests for Proposal (RFPs), while engaging outsourcing agencies.