TDS Desk:

In a move hailed as a special gift to the nation’s service workers on the occasion of the Bengali New Year 1432, the government has introduced a new policy framework for outsourcing personnel aimed at improving wages, benefits, and overall working conditions.

Announced by the Ministry of Finance, the Service Engagement Policy for Outsourcing Workers includes a significant increase in monthly service fees along with key benefits such as festival bonuses, maternity leave, annual leave, and pension enrollment options.

Touted as a Bengali New Year’s gift from Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the policy seeks to foster efficient, transparent, and accountable service delivery while uplifting the morale of outsourced workers across government institutions.

The policy includes an increase in monthly service fees across five general categories and three specialized service areas.

Service workers will receive bonuses amounting to 50 percent of their monthly service fee on two annual festivals. They will also receive a Boishakhi bonus equivalent to 20 percent of their monthly service fee during the Bengali New Year.

The policy also provides for 15 days of annual leave for service workers and mandates training related to core job responsibilities at their respective institutions.

In every fiscal year, two sets of uniforms will be provided to each service worker, which they must wear while on duty.

For female workers, the policy grants 45 days of maternity leave and prioritises them for women-friendly roles.

Financial security has been emphasized for the service workers as well. Service workers will be eligible to enroll themselves in the Universal Pension Scheme being run by the National Pension Authority.

Monthly payments will be made directly to the workers’ bank accounts or via mobile financial services (MFS) and will be disbursed within the first week of the following month.

The policy also highlights that service fees and incentives will be determined by the Finance Division’s updated guidelines. Designated working hours will be considered as the official service time.

If additional services are required beyond the standard scope of work, extra remuneration may be granted as per the agreement subject to the approval of the Finance Division.