SAS Nagar, JULY 31, 2026:- MLA Kulwant Singh today stated that the Punjab Government has taken historic decisions for the welfare of sanitation workers (Safai Sevaks). Appealing to aggrieved groups to resolve issues through mutual dialogue rather than strikes, he urged the immediate restoration of public sanitation services across the region.
Addressing a press conference here today, MLA Kulwant Singh reaffirmed Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's commitment to uplifting frontline workers, emphasizing that sanitation personnel perform some of the most challenging yet essential duties in society. In recognition of their vital service, the Punjab Government has implemented landmark reforms, including doubling the monthly salary of sanitation workers from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000. Furthermore, the state has taken concrete steps to eliminate the exploitative contractual (thekedari) system in favor of direct government engagement and established a clear pathway to regularize contractual employees who have completed three or more years of service.
Acknowledging that certain worker groups remain on strike, he made a direct appeal to union leaders and personnel to return to work and avoid political exploitation by opposition parties. He reiterated that the AAP government has consistently resolved grievances—including those of power board (PSPCL) staff, health clinic workers, and MGNREGA employees—through open and constructive table talks. Requesting sanitation workers to prioritize public health and municipal cleanliness, the MLA assured that all legitimate and reasonable demands would be addressed swiftly through direct dialogue with government representatives.
Speaking of infrastructure development in Mohali, he shared that out of the state’s Rs 5,000+ crore budget for power sector reforms, over Rs 700 crore has been allocated exclusively to Mohali. Under this initiative, work to replace 30-to-40-year-old wiring, transformers, and hazardous junction boxes is underway on a war footing across urban sectors as well as rural areas like Manauli and Kambala. Additionally, pre-monsoon maintenance—including pipe clearing, desilting, and road gully cleaning—has been completed to prevent waterlogging, providing relief to vulnerable areas such as Phase 4/5.
Highlighting the government's broader public welfare schemes, he noted that key benefits—including 300 free electricity units, Rs 10 lakh health insurance cover under the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme, free medicines and diagnostic tests at Aam Aadmi Clinics, and Rs 1,500 monthly financial assistance for women—continue uninterrupted. Kulwant Singh expressed confidence that all remaining issues will be resolved through dialogue, reaffirming the AAP government’s commitment to the holistic development of Mohali and Punjab.
Senior Deputy Mayor of Municipal Corporation Mohali Rajinder Prashad Sharma, Deputy Mayor Harpal Singh Channa, and other prominent leaders were also present on the occasion.