Chandigarh, July 28: Contractual Safai Sewaks and Sewermen in Punjab will receive a monthly remuneration of ₹20,500 starting August 1, bringing their pay on par with regular employees during their probation period. Following extended discussions between government leadership and union officials, sanitation personnel across the state agreed to call off their ongoing strike.
The resolution was reached after a day of detailed consultations between Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Local Government Minister Harjot Singh Bains, and union representatives. The delegation of staff representatives included Chandan Grewal, Chairman of the Punjab Raj Safai Karamchari Commission, alongside Vijay Danav, Chairman of the Punjab Dalit Vikas Board.
Announcing the measure at a press conference held at Punjab Bhawan, Local Government Minister Harjot Singh Bains acknowledged the critical role played by sanitation personnel in urban areas across the state.
“Safai sewaks are the backbone of our cities,” Bains stated. “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 newly approved pay scale represents a substantial increase for contractual workers stationed across Urban Local Bodies and Improvement Trusts. Remuneration levels had previously been adjusted from ₹10,500 to ₹14,000 before the state cabinet moved to fix the revised monthly figure at ₹20,500.
“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 added. “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. 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.”
During the same briefing, the minister addressed recent developments in Barnala, confirming that administrative measures have been initiated to examine the situation.
“A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the matter and ensure swift justice,” Bains declared. “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.”
