Significant Number of URP Workers Terminated During Restructuring

The government has made a significant move that resulted in the termination of a large number of Unemployment Relief Programme (URP) workers. The exact figure remains unclear, but according to Minister Ameen, it’s a ‘hefty number’. This decision came after an election, but Ameen made it clear that it was not the usual practice of firing workers immediately after the election. Instead, the government is considering restructuring its programmes. This move puts an end to the practice of political parties replacing URP workers with its supporters upon assuming office. Additionally, some of the positions previously held by the terminated workers will be removed as part of the restructuring process. However, Ameen denied that this was a move to shut down the URP indefinitely. One of the fired workers received a termination letter, stating the immediate ending of their employment, and they will receive one month’s salary in lieu of notice.