Demand for Justice: Sanitation Workers’ Salary Hike Accepted, Abuse Cases Pending

BARNALA, July 30 — After weeks of agitation, the Punjab government has approved a salary increase for sanitation workers, a key demand raised during recent protests. However, the issue of lathicharge‑related abuse remains unresolved.

Congress representative Kuldeep Singh Dhillon highlighted that the state‑wide shutdown, now in effect, reflects the workers’ frustration over the unauthorized baton‑charge that left several staff members injured. The MLA stressed that beyond wage hikes, the employees are seeking the identification of the officials who carried out the assault and the imposition of strict penalties.

According to Dhillon, the administration appears to be shielding the accused officers, while the victims continue to face neglect. Some of the perpetrators have publicly expressed remorse on social media, yet no official inquiry or action has been launched.

The legislator called on the authorities to cease any political games and to act decisively, citing a High Court notice that does not permit any form of physical coercion. He urged a swift judicial process to restore confidence among the sanitation workforce.

The call for justice has drawn widespread support, with citizens and labour groups demanding accountability and protection for those who keep the state clean.