MPAs slam 'Suthra Punjab' initiative over salary delays

Government and opposition members in the Punjab Assembly have strongly criticized the Suthra Punjab programme, raising concerns over workers’ salaries, alleged mistreatment and claims of corruption.

PPP MPA Shazia Abid criticized the Punjab Local Government Minister during the Assembly proceedings, claiming that more than half of the workers associated with the Suthra Punjab programme had either left their jobs or been removed because of alleged mistreatment.

She said the programme had started well but a large number of workers had subsequently left or been dismissed. Shazia Abid alleged that Suthra Punjab workers were being paid Rs20,000 instead of the promised Rs40,000, with payments allegedly being made after four months.

She said workers were facing difficulties and called for strict action against those involved in alleged corruption in the programme. “Come to my constituency and see that the people working under the Suthra Punjab programme are not being paid there either,” an opposition member of the Assembly said.

The members demanded that the provincial government address the complaints of Suthra Punjab workers, ensure timely payment of salaries and take action against those found responsible for any irregularities.

The criticism came during a discussion on the performance and implementation of the Suthra Punjab programme in the province.