Punjab Bandh on July 30: Sanitation Workers Announce Statewide Protest Over Regularisation Demand After Barnala Incident

July 27, 2026

Chandigarh: Punjab sanitation workers have announced a statewide bandh on July 30, intensifying their protest over demands related to job regularisation and service conditions. The move comes after the Barnala incident, which has further increased anger among striking workers.

The Punjab State Safai Karamcharis Union has started mobilising support across the state to make the bandh successful. Workers have claimed that garbage collection and waste management services have been severely affected in several urban bodies due to the ongoing strike.

Workers demand regularisation of contractual employees

The sanitation workers are demanding that around 40,000 contractual sanitation workers in Punjab be made permanent. They have also sought changes in the employment status of workers engaged through outsourcing agencies.

According to the union, the number of workers involved in sanitation-related activities, including door-to-door garbage collectors, is much higher when unorganised workers are included.

Union leaders said efforts are being made to bring different sections of society in support of the July 30 bandh.

Barnala incident fuels anger among workers

The protest gained momentum after tensions escalated in Barnala, where sanitation workers alleged action against them during demonstrations over the strike.

The incident has now become a major political issue, with several opposition leaders visiting Barnala and raising concerns over the handling of the protest.

Leaders from different political parties have demanded accountability over the situation, while the Punjab government has also stepped up efforts to resolve the issue.

Government prepares alternative arrangements, calls unions for talks

The Punjab government has started making alternative arrangements for garbage collection and sanitation services in municipal corporations and councils to prevent disruption.

Officials had earlier directed civic bodies to ensure public safety and uninterrupted services. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had also expressed concern over the sanitation situation in municipal councils.

The government has called sanitation workers’ unions for a meeting to discuss their demands and find a solution.

Workers, however, have maintained that the strike will continue until their demands, especially the regularisation of employees, are addressed. With the July 30 bandh call, authorities are monitoring the situation as sanitation services remain affected across several parts of Punjab.

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