Bengaluru contractors threaten to halt work over Rs 1,500-crore pending payments

Contractors working for the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) have threatened to halt work over concerns of delayed payments for their completed projects over the last two years. The contractors claim their bills, amounting to Rs 1,500 crore, remain unpaid despite a steady revenue inflow into the BBMP.

They allege that mismanagement and administrative delays by the BBMP are exacerbating their financial distress.

Manjunath, former president of the Contractors' Association, said, "Our BBMP contractors have been facing significant injustice ever since BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath took office. Despite multiple requests, they have repeatedly ignored us. Our contractors are now in a highly stressful situation".

He claimed that an outstanding balance of Rs 1,500 crore, representing 24 months of dues, remains unpaid despite numerous requests. The contractors have accused the administration of intentionally withholding 25% of the payment without any justification, causing severe financial strain.

BJP MLA Bharath Shetty criticised the Congress government's handling of the situation, stating, "The government doesn't have money to pay bills. We have asked for a white paper. All money is being taken away by them. They aren't giving clarity as to why they aren't giving money. Contractors have paid crores for development work. They should be paid back."

Labour Minister Santhosh Lad, however, attributed the delays to issues inherited from the previous government.

He said, "The delays are due to the 40% scam by the previous administration. We are working to clear the dues, and while there have been some delays, payments are being made, and we're taking the necessary steps to address the issues".

The contractors have threatened to halt all ongoing work if their pending bills are not cleared soon.