Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): The Haryana government has released Rs 579 crore through the State Finance Commission (SFC) for the development of 6,230 gram panchayats across the state. In a separate development, the government has also reached an agreement on 17 demands raised by rural sanitation workers, with official letters issued for 12 of them.
Haryana Development and Panchayats Minister Krishan Lal Panwar announced the developments following a meeting with office-bearers of the Rural Sanitation Workers Union, Haryana, in Panipat on Saturday, October 31.
The meeting focused on the workers’ long-pending demands, with discussions taking place in a positive and peaceful atmosphere. Union representatives expressed satisfaction over the outcome and welcomed the agreement.
Haryana Government Agrees to 17 Demands of Rural Sanitation Workers
Panwar said the state government was committed to protecting employees’ interests and resolving their legitimate concerns. He acknowledged the role played by rural sanitation workers in maintaining clean villages and creating a healthier environment.
The minister said the government had initiated action in line with the agreement and directed the concerned officials to ensure that the orders were implemented effectively. The aim, he added, was to ensure workers received the benefits of the approved measures without unnecessary delays.
Which Benefits Have Been Announced for Rural Sanitation Workers?
Development and Panchayats Department Director Sushil Sarwan said the department had taken the necessary steps following the agreement between the government and the union.
According to the department, a letter issued on September 10, 2026, outlined several benefits and instructions for rural sanitation workers. These include:
- Pending honorarium arrears: Payment of outstanding honorarium dues to eligible workers.
- October 2023 strike period: Payment of pending honorarium for the strike period to eligible employees.
- Out-of-village duty allowance: Rs 200 per day for workers assigned duties outside their villages.
- Annual uniform allowance: Increased from Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,000.
- Washing allowance: Increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500.
- Monthly honorarium payments: Instructions to release honorariums by the seventh of every month.
- Compassionate employment: Provision for a family member of a rural sanitation worker who dies while on duty to be considered for a job on compassionate grounds.
- Support with death claims: Assistance from the Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) office to the deceased worker’s family in completing Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) death-claim procedures.
The department said the measures were intended to improve workers’ access to financial benefits and provide assistance to their families in difficult circumstances.
Rs 579 Crore Released for Development of 6,230 Gram Panchayats
Panwar said Rs 579 crore had been transferred to the accounts of 6,230 gram panchayats through the State Finance Commission.
The funding is intended to accelerate village-level development projects and improve basic facilities in rural areas. The minister said the government, under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s leadership, was working to strengthen rural infrastructure and promote the overall development of villages.
He added that ensuring adequate funds for rural development remained a government priority so that villages across Haryana could benefit from improved facilities.
Union Welcomes Outcome of Meeting
Representatives of the Rural Sanitation Workers Union described the meeting as positive and satisfactory following the agreement on their demands.
Officials present included Additional Deputy Commissioner Ankit Chauksey, Zila Parishad Chief Executive Officer Dr Kiran Singh, Israna Sub-Divisional Magistrate Navdeep Nain and officials from the Panchayats Department, along with office-bearers and members of the union.
