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Punjab sanitation workers protest and pay raise
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2026-07-27 21:00 UTC → 2026-07-28 19:43 UTC ·
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Punjab sanitation workers protest and pay raise
In late July 2026, sanitation workers in Barnala, Punjab staged a protest that was met with police force. lathi‑charge. Deputy Superintendent of Police Satveer (Satbir) Singh Bains was suspended after following a directive from the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis ordered a factual report and Karamcharis, which also called for a transparent inquiry. The day after the suspension, 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 the filing of FIRs under the SC/ST Act, while political figures condemned the police action. A Punjab BJP delegation met the state 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 delegation highlighted announcement came after the protests, and the strike was called off. A Special Investigation Team was formed to probe the police‑action incident as an abuse the state prepares for elections next year. The combined measures aim to address long‑standing welfare demands of authority and urged swift justice Safai Sevaks while ensuring accountability for the workers. police response.
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- 2026-07-28 19:43 UTC Punjab sanitation workers protest and pay raise
- 2026-07-27 21:00 UTC Punjab sanitation workers protest
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