Haryana Sanitation Workers End Strike After Agreement on 17 Demands; One Worker per 400 Residents, ₹50 Lakh Death Compensation Approved

May 30, 2026

Panipat: The strike by rural sanitation workers in Haryana, which had been ongoing for nearly a month, came to an end on Friday night. A meeting lasting approximately three hours was held between the government and the Rural Sanitation Workers’ Union at the PWD Rest House in Panipat.

Ministers Krishan Lal Panwar and Krishan Bedi accepted 17 out of the 18 demands put forth by the sanitation workers, following which the Union announced the withdrawal of the strike with immediate effect. Minister Krishan Lal Panwar stated that the government would review the demand regarding the regularization of the employees’ services, noting that this matter is linked to the High Court.

Additionally, it was decided that one sanitation worker would be appointed for every 400 residents in the villages. In the event of accidental death while on duty, a compensation of ₹50 lakh and a permanent job would be provided.

Sanitation workers across the state had been striking over various demands, including permanent employment and wage hikes. During this period, disturbances were reported in several locations, and heaps of garbage piled up in cities. In Hisar, waste collection had to be carried out under the supervision of SWAT commandos.

Minister Says: We Will Review the Demand 

Speaking at a press conference following the meeting, Minister for Development and Panchayats Krishan Lal Panwar stated, “Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, these talks proved to be extremely positive and cordial. The employees’ primary demand was that, in accordance with the High Court’s order dated December 31, 2005, all temporary sanitation workers be immediately granted permanent status.”

“Since this matter is linked to a High Court verdict, the government will conduct a thorough review of this legal ruling, and a final decision regarding it will be taken shortly. With the exception of this single demand, full consensus has been reached on all the remaining 17 demands.”

Consensus Reached on These Key Demands

• New Population Norms: Henceforth, one sanitation worker will be appointed in every village for every 400 residents; this measure aims to reduce the existing workload and generate new employment opportunities.
• Uniform Allowance: The minimum wage announced by the Chief Minister will be implemented with immediate effect. Additionally, there will be an increase in allowances for uniforms, laundry, and the procurement of tools such as brooms and shovels.
• Ex-Gratia Policy: An ex-gratia policy will be implemented specifically for sanitation workers. In the event of death resulting from an accident while on duty, the deceased’s family members will receive a compensation of ₹50 lakh along with a permanent government job. Dependents will also be provided with a job in cases of natural death.
• Retirement Benefits: Upon the completion of their tenure and subsequent retirement, employees will receive a lump sum payment of ₹10 lakh, in addition to the full benefits of their gratuity.

Administrative Officials Present

Present at this high-level meeting with the employees alongside the ministers were several top-ranking administrative officials, including the Chief Minister’s Additional Principal Secretary (APSC) Yashpal, the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Panchayat Department and the Department’s Director General. These officials promptly approved the financial and legal aspects of the demands raised.