TRANSFORMING PUBLIC SERVICE EMPLOYMENT TOWARDS AN INCLUSIVE FRAMEWORK

Abstract

This chapter examines the systematic inequality perpetuated through various categories of government employment in India, challenging the fundamental constitutional principles of equality and equal opportunity guaranteed under Articles 14 and 16. Despite constitutional protections, the proliferation of different employment categories - including regular, contractual, honorarium, guest, and private positions - has created a multi-tiered system that undermines the basic tenets of equal protection of laws. The chapter analyzes the economic, social, and administrative implications of this employment hierarchy, drawing upon recent studies. The research reveals significant challenges including reduced employee motivation, higher turnover rates, compromised service quality, and increased mental health issues among non-regular employees. The chapter concludes by advocating for comprehensive reform at policy, administrative, and legislative levels to address these systemic inequalities, emphasizing the need to eliminate non-permanent positions in accordance with recent judicial directives. The chapter also focuses on the psychological aspect by the case studies of people who suffered a lot due to this inequality.