Karnataka State Contractors’ Association President D Kempanna on Friday threatened to stage a protest if the state government failed to clear dues of contractors for the completed works within 30 days. He demanded to release at least 50 per cent of the payment and alleged that the bills of "select" contractors were alone getting cleared. He also alleged that the payments were not given as per seniority level among contractors.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kempanna, according to PTI, said, "There have been no proper payments from the government. Very few payments have been made. We have written a letter to the chief minister four times and requested (clearance of dues), but nothing has happened. Contractors are in distress."
He demanded the government release the funds immediately and alleged that some of the contractors even attempted to kill themselves since they did not receive the pending arrears. He urged the government to at least release half the payment since Ayudha Pooja and other festivals were nearing.
Charging the state government, he said that the state was clearing only a few "select" bills of contractors through cheques.
He said, "We are unable to understand where the payments are happening, and officials too don't respond properly."
Further, Kempanna said that they would decide on the next course of action if the government does not take any immediate action in the matter.
Threatening to stage a protest, he said that if there was no action in 30 days they would go on a protest.
They are also planning to meet the CM to place the demand. They alleged that the state of a contractor was much worse than that of a farmer.
He alleged that the contracts were awarded to contractors from AP and other places and demanded that they be given priority as class-one contractors in the state.