1.5 lakh contractors warn Karnataka govt of protests over Rs 38,000-crore dues

The Karnataka State Contractors’ Association has urged the state government to immediately release around 38,000 crore in pending payments owed to around 1.5 lakh contractors, claiming that the dues have remained unpaid since 2021-22.

While demanding that pending bills from various development departments be cleared without further delay, the association warned of fresh protests if no action was taken.

It also reminded the state government of an assurance reportedly given during the contractors’ March 6 protest at Freedom Park, when they were promised that the pending dues would be cleared in a single instalment.

DK Shivakumar, who was then the Deputy Chief Minister, had assured the contractors' association of facilitating a meeting with former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to address their grievances and to find a solution over the unpaid dues.

However, the association alleged that several months have passed since the assurance, with the payments still not released.

The contractors have also expressed dissatisfaction with Siddaramaiah, alleging that repeated letters and meetings on the issue failed to elicit a response.