Chandigarh: The Haryana Government has announced a series of welfare measures for Gramin Safai Karmis (rural sanitation workers) across the state, in response to demands raised in a meeting held on May 29, 2026. The decision in this regard was conveyed through a letter issued by the Director, Development and Panchayats Department today.The letter states that as part of the relief package for Gramin Safai Karmis, the government will pay arrears of Rs. 2,100 on the increased honorarium with effect from January 2026, raising it from Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 18,100 per month till June 30, 2026. Outstanding honorarium for October 2023, the strike period, will also be released to eligible Gramin Safai Karmis who were not paid for that month — 48 workers in Dhand, 54 in Farukhnagar and 25 in Sihma & 15 in Nizampur, subject to verification of official records.The government has further decided that Gramin Safai Karmis assigned duty outside their village will be paid an allowance of Rs. 200 per day by the BDPO office out of petty expenses. In addition, the annual uniform allowance has been increased by Rs. 2,000, i.e. from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 6,000 per annum, while the washing allowance has been raised by Rs. 500, i.e. from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 1,500 per annum.On the welfare front, in the event of the death of a Gramin Safai Karmi while on duty, an appointment will be offered to one family member on compassionate grounds, and the BDPO office will assist the deceased worker’s family with EPF/ESI death-claim paperwork to prevent exploitation by private agencies. The order also mandates that honorarium must be disbursed by the 7th of every month, failing which a penalty of Rs. 500 will be payable.The decision will bring significant financial and welfare relief to rural sanitation workers across the state. These measures reaffirm the government’s commitment to improving the working conditions, financial security and overall well-being of rural sanitation workers.No. IPRDH/2026
