Chandigarh, July 28: Statewide strike actions by sanitation personnel came to a close following an agreement between Punjab Government authorities and union leaders to boost the monthly earnings of contractual Safai Sewaks and Sewermen. Under the new arrangement, workers engaged by Urban Local Bodies and Improvement Trusts will receive ₹20,500 per month beginning August 1.
The wage adjustment aligns the earnings of contractual staff with the gross compensation offered to regular municipal sanitation workers serving their probationary period. The agreement followed deliberations involving Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Local Government Minister Harjot Singh Bains, and union delegates, including Punjab Raj Safai Karamchari Commission Chairman Chandan Grewal and Punjab Dalit Vikas Board Chairman Vijay Danav.
At a media briefing at Punjab Bhawan, Local Government Minister Harjot Singh Bains affirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting frontline civic workers.
“Contractual sanitation staff engaged by Urban Local Bodies and Improvement Trusts will now receive ₹20,500 per month, at par with regular employees during probation period, with effect from August 1, 2026,” Bains declared. “Safai sewaks are the backbone of our cities. This decision ensures that contractual Safai Sewaks and Sewermen will now receive gross monthly remuneration at par with that being paid to a regular Safai Sewak/Sewerman during the probation period.”
The wage update builds upon earlier adjustments to the compensation framework for contractual workers. Prior to setting the current ₹20,500 monthly rate, basic contractual earnings had recently been raised from ₹10,500 to ₹14,000.
“The revised structure marks a substantial jump from the previous contractual wages, which were recently increased from ₹10,500 to ₹14,000, before this landmark revision to ₹20,500,” Bains maintained. “The Mann Government’s decision will directly benefit thousands of families dependent on sanitation services. I have directed all Urban Local Bodies and Improvement Trusts to take necessary action to implement the order with immediate effect from August 1.”
Responding to queries regarding an event in Barnala, the minister confirmed that legal and administrative mechanisms have been put in place to look into the matter.
“A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the matter and ensure swift justice,” Bains asserted. “It reaffirms Mann Govt’s commitment to the welfare of every worker and to building a cleaner, healthier and more equitable Punjab. The State Government remains steadfast in ensuring social justice and equal respect for every individual contributing to public service.”
