Punjab govt mulls regularisation policy for contractual sanitary workers

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that the state government is considering a policy to regularise the services of contractual sanitary workers. This move aims to update the existing system, acknowledging that manual sewer cleaning is a relic of the past. “The era of manually cleaning sewers is over; we need to modernise,” Mann emphasised , highlighting the need for machines to take over this hazardous task.

The CM made these remarks while attending a 'Shobha Yatra' in Jalandhar to mark Valmiki Jayanti. He praised Bhagwan Valmiki, the “father” of Sanskrit language and author of the Ramayana, whose teachings promote the victory of good over evil.

A high-level committee has been formed to develop a viable mechanism, engaging all stakeholders. AAP leader Chandan Grewal, chairman of Safai Karamchari Commission, is part of this committee. Mann assured that the government is committed to addressing the needs of sanitary workers, who had previously shared their demands with him during elections.