Haryana Sanitation Workers to Get ₹2,000 Monthly Risk Allowance, But Lose Annual Performance Bonus Amid Union Protests

Chandigarh: In a major policy update for municipal workers, the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) Department of Haryana has announced a monthly risk allowance of ₹2,000 for regular sanitation workers (safai karamcharis) and sewermen. This allowance brings them on par with the municipal roll sanitation workers. However, the announcement has been overshadowed by a controversial caveat: the immediate withdrawal of the annual performance-based incentives, sparking widespread resentment among the workforce.

Details of the Notification According to the official letter issued by the department, the ₹2,000 monthly risk allowance is aimed at compensating the workers for the hazardous nature of their daily duties. However, the same notification acts as a double-edged sword.

The letter explicitly states that the annual performance-linked incentives—previously granted in lieu of risk allowance under letter numbers DULB/Estt./3E/2023/35496 (dated November 24, 2023) and DULB/Estt./3E/2026/2828 (dated June 04, 2026)—are being withdrawn with immediate effect. These annual incentives amounted to ₹12,000 and ₹9,000, which served as a significant financial boost for the workers.

No Financial Aid for Municipalities The financial burden of implementing this new ₹2,000 monthly allowance will fall entirely on the shoulders of the respective municipalities. The state government's order clarifies that no extra grants, loans, or financial assistance will be provided to the local bodies for this expenditure. The local bodies will have to manage these funds from their own resources. This directive has been issued with the formal consent of the Finance Department and the Human Resources Department.

Union Leaders Strongly Object The withdrawal of the performance bonus has not gone down well with the employees. Naresh Shastri, President of the State Municipal Employees Union, expressed strong objections to the government's move, calling it unjustified and demotivating.

"Providing a performance allowance is essential to encourage a better work ethic and motivate employees to give their best. Snatching it away is completely unfair," Shastri stated. He further argued that the newly announced ₹2,000 is purely a "Risk Allowance" meant to cover the occupational hazards faced by sewermen and sweepers, and it should not be treated as a replacement for a performance-based reward.

The union's sharp reaction hints at potential unrest or protests in the coming days if the government does not reconsider the withdrawal of the annual incentives.