In a significant development for municipal workers in Haryana, Panchkula Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal has made a landmark announcement regarding long-pending financial dues for sanitation employees. The civic body will finally disburse arrears accumulated between 2017 and 2023, addressing a persistent demand that has remained unresolved for years.
Financial Relief for Hundreds of Workers
The municipal corporation has allocated approximately ₹7 crore specifically for sanitation workers employed under the Panchkula Municipal Corporation. Additionally, nearly ₹1 crore has been designated for employees of the Kalka Municipal Council, bringing the total disbursement to around ₹8 crore.
Mayor Goyal clarified that Kalka council workers would receive arrears for the period when their council was part of the municipal corporation until 2020. This comprehensive approach ensures that all affected workers receive their rightful dues regardless of current administrative boundaries.
Inclusive Approach for Current and Former Employees
In a particularly compassionate move, the scheme extends its benefits to employees who are no longer in service. Municipal authorities are currently compiling data to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is excluded from receiving their entitled payments.
Overall, 620 sanitation workers will benefit from this financial disbursement, including approximately 100 retired workers or their family members. Individual payments are expected to range between ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh per worker, providing substantial financial relief to families who have waited patiently for these funds.
Educational Support for Workers' Children
Beyond addressing financial arrears, Mayor Goyal announced an educational initiative aimed at supporting the children of sanitation workers. Students who have achieved 60% or higher marks in their board examinations will receive stipends for three consecutive years.
The municipal corporation has allocated approximately ₹12 lakh for this scholarship program, which will benefit 37 students. Scholarship amounts will range from ₹30,000 to ₹50,000, recognizing academic excellence while supporting continued education.
Grand Distribution Ceremony Planned
The formal distribution of arrears will take place during a special event scheduled for November 26 outside the municipal corporation office. The ceremony will be graced by Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goyal, who will personally oversee the distribution process.
The event will also see participation from MLA Shakti Rani Sharma, Kalka Municipal Council President Krishan Lamba, and various Panchkula Municipal Corporation councillors, underscoring the significance of this initiative for the region's workforce.
This comprehensive resolution represents a major step toward recognizing the contributions of sanitation workers while addressing long-standing financial grievances that have affected hundreds of families across Panchkula and Kalka municipalities.
