# Punjab sanitation workers protest and pay raise

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/punjab-sanitation-workers-protest
> Updated: 2026-07-27T17:28:30.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 4.

In late July 2026, sanitation workers in Barnala, Punjab staged a protest that was met with police lathi‑charge. Deputy Superintendent of Police Satveer (Satbir) Singh Bains was suspended following a directive from the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis, which also called for a transparent inquiry.

The following day, about 25,000 workers from 166 municipal bodies launched an indefinite strike, halting waste collection across the state. Union leader Gopal Thapar demanded further suspensions and FIRs under the SC/ST Act, while political figures condemned the police action.

A Punjab BJP delegation met the governor on July 27, presenting a memorandum that reiterated calls for the removal of DSP Bains and the SHO, filing of FIRs under the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and a rapid, accountable investigation.

Later on July 27, the state government announced that contractual sanitation workers with five years of service would be regularised and those with three years would be moved to direct contracts. An immediate salary increase to roughly Rs 20,500‑20,520 per month, effective August 1, was also declared. The announcement came after the protests, and the strike was called off. A Special Investigation Team was formed to probe the police‑action incident as the state prepares for elections next year.

The combined measures aim to address long‑standing welfare demands of Safai Sevaks while ensuring accountability for the police response.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-27: Punjab BJP Calls for Justice for Sanitation Workers After Police Lathi Charge

Punjab BJP met the Governor, seeking removal of two police officers and swift action after a lathi‑charge on sanitation workers during a Barnala protest, prompting suspension of DSP Bains.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-bjp-calls-for-justice-for-sanitation-workers-after-police-lathi-charge

### 2026-07-27: Punjab government regularises and raises pay for contractual sanitation workers

Punjab regularises contractual sanitation workers, raises monthly pay to about Rs 20,500, ends Barnala strike, suspends a DSP and sets up a probe.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-government-regularises-and-raises-pay-for-contractual-sanitation-workers

### 2026-07-24: Punjab sanitation workers strike after Barnala police lathi charge

After a police lathi charge on sanitation workers in Barnala, Punjab, 25,000 workers struck statewide; the government suspended DSP Satveer Singh, but unions demand further action.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-sanitation-workers-strike-after-barnala-police-lathi-charge

### 2026-07-23: Punjab DSP Satbir Singh Bains suspended after sanitation workers protest

Punjab suspended DSP Satbir Singh Bains after accusations of force against protesting sanitation workers in Barnala, following NCSK intervention and a directive for a rapid inquiry.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-dsp-satbir-singh-bains-suspended-after-sanitation-workers-protest

---
Cite as: Punjab sanitation workers protest and pay raise. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/punjab-sanitation-workers-protest