Patwaris go on strike across Punjab, raise slogans against state government
Kamaljeet Sandhu
Barnala (Punjab), September 23, 2026: Patwaris across Punjab went on strike on Wednesday to protest against the state government, with employees in Barnala raising slogans and warning of a larger agitation if their demands are not addressed.
During the protest, union leaders alleged that the Punjab government was assigning them duties on the directions of the Central Government without providing facilities and service conditions comparable to those available to employees performing such duties at the central level.
The protesting patwaris also raised concerns over salaries and vacancies in the department. They alleged that several posts of patwaris remain vacant, increasing the workload on the existing staff.
The leaders further criticised the state government over its expenditure on publicity, alleging that despite promises of providing better facilities to employees, their demands had not been addressed.
According to the protesting employees, at least 28 patwari circles have been cancelled in Barnala district, which they said had further affected the functioning of the revenue department.
The protesters warned that if the Punjab government fails to accept their demands, the employees will chalk out a larger agitation in the coming days.
Himanshu Gupta, district leader, and the district president addressed the protesters during the demonstration.