DHARWAD
North Karnataka Civil Contractors’ Association has set the state government a deadline of July 20 to clear the bills to the tune of more than Rs 7,000 crore for works taken up in the region. The association has threatened to stop ongoing works indefinitely if the government fails to heed to its demand.
Association President Subhas Patil said that the Basavaraj Bommai-led government had failed to make the payments for the works done and the contractors were expecting the new government to clear the bills. Though the government has ordered payment, the bills have not been cleared so far, he charged. Patil said works worth Rs 18,000 crore are in progress, and they will be stopped if the contractors are not paid.
He also alleged that several corrupt officials are rooted in the same posts and region for several years and the plea to shift them and bring honest, efficient officers has not been heeded by the government. The association has decided to list the names of officials in various departments who have been practicing corruption and submit it to the government in a month, Patil said. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be urged to initiate action against such officials and protect civil contractors, he said.
The Association has been facing harassment by officials at all levels of administration and is seeking a solution in a month. If the same situation continues, the association will be forced to hit the streets and protest, he said. The new government has halted ongoing works and it has affected the contractors badly. The local MLAs should direct the continuation of works, Patil urged. The association has also demanded the inclusion of representatives from NKCCA in Karnataka State Civil Contractors’ Association.
