In a significant step that has brought long-term relief and service security to thousands of defence civilian employees, the Union Government has decided to redeploy nearly 65,000 erstwhile employees of the Ordnance Factory Board into regular Government service. The decision, described as a landmark measure, was warmly appreciated by a delegation of employee representatives during a meeting with Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh, here today.
A 19-member delegation representing Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Bharatiya Pratiraksha Mazdoor Sangh (BPMS), Government Employees National Confederation (GENC), Public Sector Employees National Confederation, SHAR Employees Trade Union and Space Employees Association met the Minister to discuss a range of issues relating to Government employees, pensioners and administrative reforms. The representatives lauded the Government’s decision to redeploy the erstwhile Ordnance Factory employees into regular Government service, noting that it has addressed one of the most significant concerns arising from the restructuring of the Ordnance Factory Board and provided lasting stability to the workforce.
The delegation also thanked Dr Jitendra Singh, as a member of the Empowered Group of Ministers, for supporting the extension of deemed deputation of these employees till the date of their retirement. They highlighted that the combination of this extension and the subsequent redeployment into regular Government service has secured the future of nearly 65,000 employees who were earlier part of the Ordnance Factory Board.
The corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board in 2021 was a major structural reform undertaken to enhance functional autonomy, operational efficiency and innovation in defence production. The over 200-year-old organisation, which managed 41 production units, was restructured into seven Defence Public Sector Undertakings with effect from October 1, 2021. At the time, its employees were transferred to these new entities on deemed deputation, with clear assurances that their status as Central Government employees, service conditions, pay scales, allowances, career progression and pension benefits would remain fully protected.
The initial two-year deemed deputation period was extended multiple times amid ongoing dialogue with employee organisations. Recent decisions, including the approval for continuation of deemed deputation till retirement for those not opting for absorption in the DPSUs, further strengthened safeguards for the workforce. The present redeployment into regular Government service represents a further positive development that has effectively resolved lingering uncertainties for the employees.
Welcoming the delegation, Dr Jitendra Singh appreciated the constructive role played by employee organisations in bringing service-related issues before the Government through institutional dialogue. He observed that regular interaction with stakeholders helps strengthen governance and facilitates timely resolution of matters concerning Government employees and pensioners. The Minister emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government remains committed to a consultative and responsive approach in addressing issues of Government employees and pensioners. Every genuine representation, he said, receives due consideration through the appropriate Ministries and Departments, while suggestions aimed at improving governance, simplifying procedures and enhancing administrative efficiency are always welcome.
The delegation also raised several other service-related matters requiring further consideration. These included extending the benefit of the Old Pension Scheme to compassionate appointment cases, issues relating to career progression and cadre restructuring, and the need for wider stakeholder consultations on personnel administration and future policy reforms. The representatives suggested that administrative processes may continue to be simplified to reduce avoidable litigation and ensure timely resolution of service-related matters affecting employees.
Dr Jitendra Singh noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always prioritised making governance more transparent, efficient and citizen-centric through progressive administrative reforms. Continued dialogue with employee organisations, he added, plays an important role in identifying practical issues and evolving appropriate policy responses in the larger public interest. The delegation expressed confidence that the Government would continue to pursue employee-friendly reforms while maintaining regular engagement with recognised organisations on matters relating to service conditions, pension administration and personnel management.
