The Punjab government has abruptly terminated the ongoing recruitment drive for 343 psychologists meant for its de-addiction and rehabilitation societies, even after candidates had undergone written examinations and document verification rounds. The process, initiated to hire professionals on a contract basis, was scrapped with immediate effect on Thursday, December 18, citing administrative reasons.
Official Order and Immediate Repercussions
In a formal letter issued by the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, the recruitment for all 343 psychologist positions was cancelled. The directive was marked to the Personal Assistant of the Punjab Health Minister and the Principal Secretary of the department. The Registrar of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS), which had originally advertised the vacancies, has been instructed to issue a public notice informing applicants of the decision.
The department has assured that all fees paid by candidates during the application process, including recruitment charges, will be fully refunded. This sudden reversal has left hundreds of aspirants in limbo after they had cleared preliminary stages of selection.
Shift to Outsourcing Model Raises Eyebrows
According to sources within the health department, the government now intends to fill these crucial positions through an outsourcing model. This approach involves hiring personnel via private agencies, who would then be deployed to work in government institutions. Unlike contractual employees who are directly recruited by the state, outsourced staff are not considered government employees.
A leader of a contractual employees' union, speaking on condition of anonymity, highlighted the stark difference this shift creates. "Contractual employees, though poorly paid and without pension benefits, are still government recruits. Many fight in courts for regularisation," the leader stated. "Outsourced employees work under a hire-and-fire policy. Their salaries are meagre, benefits minimal, and they possess zero job security."
Broader Trend and Implications for Skilled Jobs
This move signifies an expansion of the outsourcing policy in Punjab's public sector. Historically used mainly for Class IV (non-skilled) positions, outsourcing has increasingly been applied to skilled roles in recent years. Positions such as nurses and power corporation linemen have already been filled through this method.
The cancellation of direct recruitment for psychologists in vital de-addiction services points to a significant policy pivot. It raises concerns about the long-term quality of healthcare services, employee morale, and the stability of skilled workforces within government-run social welfare schemes. The decision underscores the ongoing tension between administrative expediency and ensuring secure, sustainable employment in the public health sector.
