Strong Protest against the abolition of Category-IV posts and the decision to outsource 100% of the services in FCI.

The FCI Employees Association (CITU) has submitted a representation to the Hon’ble Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, expressing its strong protest against the abolition of Category-IV posts and the decision to outsource 100% of the services in FCI.

We have urged the Government to withdraw this anti-worker and anti-youth decision, retain permanent posts, fill vacancies through direct recruitment, and protect the legitimate claims of dependants awaiting compassionate appointments, particularly the families of employees who lost their lives during COVID-19.

**Our stand is clear: Protect Permanent Jobs – Stop Outsourcing –**

FCI Category-IV Posts to Be Abolished: Central Government Approves 100% Outsourcing of Services – FCI Employees Association (CITU) Strongly Protests

 

PRESS RELEASE

12 November 2026:

The FCI Employees Association (CITU) has expressed its strong protest and deep disappointment over the Central Government's decision to declare the entire Category-IV cadre of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) as a *dying cadre* and approve the abolition of these posts, along with 100% outsourcing of services currently performed by Category-IV employees. The decision was communicated through the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution vide its letter No. 20-4/2023-FC-I/e-383363 dated 12.11.2026, addressed to the Chairman and Managing Director, FCI.

As per the Ministry's communication, the existing sanctioned strength of 7,361 Category-IV posts, comprising 4,981 Watch & Ward staff and 2,380 employees in other categories, has been declared a dying cadre. Of these, approximately 6,737 posts are to be abolished immediately, while the remaining posts will cease to exist progressively as and when they fall vacant due to retirement, promotion, resignation, death or other reasons. The Ministry has also approved 100% outsourcing of services performed by Category-IV staff, subject to an overall strength of 16,511 personnel, comprising 10,250 for Watch & Ward and 6,261 for other duties.

The FCI Employees Association (CITU) strongly condemns this decision, which is a serious setback to the interests of workers and the future of unemployed youth. At a time when thousands of young people are desperately seeking secure and dignified employment, the abolition of permanent posts and replacement of regular employment with outsourced services is deeply unfortunate. The Association has consistently been demanding the filling of existing vacancies through direct recruitment, thereby creating permanent employment opportunities for eligible unemployed youth and strengthening the Corporation's workforce. Instead of addressing the shortage of manpower through regular recruitment, the Government has chosen the path of abolishing sanctioned posts and promoting outsourcing, which threatens job security, service conditions, and the future of employment in FCI.

The Association firmly believes that FCI, being a vital public sector undertaking responsible for the procurement, storage and distribution of foodgrains and ensuring the nation's food security, requires a stable, experienced and accountable permanent workforce. Outsourcing essential functions cannot be considered a sustainable alternative to regular employment. This decision will not only adversely affect the existing workforce but also deprive future generations of valuable opportunities for secure public sector employment.

**The FCI Employees Association (CITU) demands the immediate reconsideration and withdrawal of this decision, protection of existing posts and service conditions, and filling of all vacant Category-IV posts through transparent direct recruitment. The Association appeals to the Central Government and FCI Management to reconsider this anti-worker and anti-youth policy in the larger interest of the Corporation, its employees and the nation.

**FCI Employees Association (CITU)**