The Karnataka State Contractors’ Association has written a letter to seven state ministers, demanding the immediate release of pending payments allegedly amounting to Rs 32,000 crore. In the letter addressed to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and ministers Priyank Kharge, HC Mahadevappa, Zameer Ahmed Khan, NS Bosaraju, Dinesh Gundurao, and Rahim Khan, the association expressed strong dissatisfaction with the delays in payments, alleging that disbursements are not being made based on seniority. The association described the situation as unjust and unfair and warned of protests if the issue is not resolved promptly.
The contractors criticised both officials and ministers for their lack of response to repeated requests for payment of dues. They alleged that even when officials were approached, contractors were directed to meet the ministers, who in turn failed to address the issue. The contractors warned that a meeting must be convened within seven days of receiving the letter to resolve the issue. They threatened to escalate the matter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and launch large-scale protests if their demands were not met.
The contractors' association alleged that Rs 14,000 crore of the pending payments are owed by the irrigation department alone. Interim president Jaganath Shegji alleged that contracts are being awarded only after commission payments are made, placing the burden on contractors. Shegji also claimed that while corruption in contract work continues, it now predominantly involves MLAs rather than ministers, with around 70% of MLAs allegedly engaging in corrupt practices.
In response to Shegji’s allegations, Home Minister G Parameshwara called for specific names of the MLAs involved, assuring that the matter would be brought to the attention of the Chief Minister and the Congress party leadership.
