The Uttar Pradesh Outsource Service Corporation has firmly rejected a request from the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) for exemptions from its new outsourcing framework. UPPCL managing director Pankaj Kumar had sought to continue independent management of outsourcing contracts, citing the need for uninterrupted manpower at 839 substations across the state. However, Amrita Soni, director-general of the corporation, stated that any deviation from the new framework would require approval from the chief minister. This decision aims to standardize contract management across the state's energy corporations, which employ approximately 78,000 outsourced workers. The UP Power Corporation Tender/Contract Employees Association has praised the move, emphasizing that it enhances transparency and consistency in outsourcing practices. Despite this, union leaders expressed concerns regarding the low wages of untrained and trained staff, which are ₹9,600 and ₹11,600 per month, respectively, highlighting that these amounts are insufficient amid inflation. They warned of potential agitation if the power utilities remain outside the new outsourcing framework.