29/08/2025
Hope Rises for Regularization of All India Contract Employees with Over 15 Years of Service
**New Delhi, August 29, 2025, IST** тАУ A wave of optimism has swept across India following the recent Supreme Court ruling in *Dharam Singh & Ors. v. State of U.P. & Anr.* (decided August 19, 2025), igniting hopes for the regularization of contract employees, including millions across the nation who have served for over 15 years. The landmark judgment mandates regularization for long-serving temporary workers engaged in perennial tasks, dismissing financial constraints as a valid excuse, and orders back wages, pensions, and full benefits for eligible employees.
The decision, which stems from a case involving Uttar Pradesh daily wage workers with 30+ years of service, sets a powerful precedent for contract employees nationwide, including guest teachers, healthcare workers, and administrative staff. In Haryana, where approximately 11,000 guest teachers have been serving since December 2005, the ruling has sparked renewed enthusiasm. Dharmbir Kaushik, Karnal, and spokesperson for the Haryana Atithi Adhyapak Sangh, hailed the verdict as a "ray of hope after 20 years of dedicated service."
Speaking exclusively, Kaushik said, "This Supreme Court ruling is a game-changer for us. With over 15 years of service, HTET-qualified teachers and even retired colleagues deserve regularization and dignity. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Supreme Court for this historic decision, which paves the way for India to become a Vishwaguru (world leader) and Haryana to emerge as a new education hub. This Diwali will be a double celebration for us!"
The ruling mandates governments to create supernumerary posts where needed and complete regularization within six months (by February 2026). It emphasizes constitutional rights under Articles 14, 16, and 21, ensuring equal pay, DA, HRA, LTC, and promotions for regularized employees. For retirees, back benefits like pension recalculation and gratuity are assured, offering relief to those who have served selflessly.
Kaushik added, "On behalf of all contract employees, I thank the Supreme Court for upholding justice. With this ruling, we foresee a transformed education sector in Haryana, making this Diwali a double delight as our dreams of regularization come closer to reality."
Across India, unions are gearing up to file petitions, with states like Madhya Pradesh (50,000+ guest teachers), Bihar, and Rajasthan expected to benefit. Chief ministers, including HaryanaтАЩs Nayab Singh Saini with the verdict, building on existing policies like the 2024 Haryana Contractual Employees