The controversial Suthra Punjab Project under the government of Punjab is under fire as charges of delayed salary, wage deduction and financial mismanagement have been leveled against the project. The multi-billion rupee sanitation programme, which aims to upgrade waste management in every district of the province, has been brought into the limelight with allegations of non-payment of wages to sanitation workers in several districts and a probe into financial irregularities related to the project.
Multi-Billion-Rupee Sanitation Initiative
The Suthra Punjab Project was officially opened and was allocated Rs120 billion on December 3, 2024. The provincial government further allocated Rs150 billion for the waste management services in 2025-26 and Rs170 billion in 2026-27 to extend the services of waste management, develop the infrastructure of sanitation, maintain garbage collection vehicles and timely payment of sanitation workers.
Even with these pledges, a number of issues related to salary remain unresolved with thousands of contractual workers in Punjab complaining about the situation.
Worker’s Death Draws Attention to Wage Disputes
It was the tragedy of Zeeshan, a former sanitation worker of Gujranwala who came into the limelight to make the issue popular.
Zeeshan is reportedly believed to have set himself on fire on June 7, 2026, outside of Imperial Waste Management Company’s office after repeatedly protesting against salary deductions and his termination of employment. He was later admitted to hospital and died from his injuries after spending almost three weeks there.
His family said that his monthly salary had been cut by Rs21,000, leaving him with a meager salary of Rs19,000, and that he was laid off following the demand for the full salary.
Workers Report Salary Delays and Deductions
The sanitation workers from several districts such as Lahore, Multan, Gujrat, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Okara, Pakpattan, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Mandi Bahauddin and Sargodha have voiced concerns regarding:
- Delayed salary payments
- Unpaid overtime
- Non-payment of announced bonuses
- Arbitrary wage deductions
- Deductions for attendance and weekly holidays
Some employees also protested the deductions in the name of social security despite claims that some of the contractors were not registered with the relevant department.
Province-Wide Worker Protests
Salary disputes have triggered demonstrations in multiple cities across Punjab.
Employees protested in Pakpattan, Okara, Haveli Lakha, Faisalabad, Dijkot, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Lahore and other districts protesting over delayed wages and payment of the government’s earlier promise of giving Eid bonus.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing, and no final judicial determination has been announced.
Government Oversight Under Focus
The Suthra Punjab Project was introduced to improve sanitation services, modernize waste management, and generate employment opportunities throughout Punjab. However, the recent allegations involving salary disputes, contractor accountability, and financial management have intensified calls for stronger oversight.
Labour rights advocates and governance experts have emphasized the importance of transparent payment mechanisms, regular audits, and improved monitoring of contractors to ensure workers receive their entitled wages and public funds are used appropriately.
Conclusion
The Suthra Punjab Project remains one of Punjab’s largest public sanitation initiatives, but ongoing allegations of wage disputes and financial irregularities have raised concerns over its implementation. As investigations continue, stakeholders are awaiting further findings while sanitation workers continue to seek timely payment of salaries and improved workplace protections.
