Pune: The Maharashtra State Contractors Federation, the state engineers’ association, and the Maharashtra State Water Supply Contractors Association will stage protests outside collectorates across the state on Sept 7. The protest is in response to the state govt’s alleged failure to clear pending dues, which the associations claim have accumulated to nearly Rs86,000 crore.The associations stated that the protests will also highlight the recent suicides of two contractors—one from Navi Mumbai and a 55-year-old from Udgir in Latur district. The associations have attributed these deaths to the extreme financial distress caused by delayed govt payments. “We have repeatedly reached out to the govt, asking them to ensure there are no delays. However, the dues remain unpaid. How can contractors take up new work without their old payments being cleared?” said an association member.Members of the associations said that contractors executing development projects for the state govt have been awaiting payments for several years. “Despite repeated dharnas, marches, and protest demonstrations, as well as representations to the chief minister, both deputy chief ministers, and various ministers and senior officials, there has been no concrete action to clear the dues,” alleged Milind Bhosale, state president of the Maharashtra State Contractors Association.On Aug 27, the associations wrote to the chief minister and both deputy chief ministers seeking action against officials allegedly responsible for the circumstances leading to the contractors’ deaths. They also requested the appointment of an inquiry committee that includes representatives from the associations, demanding action against the concerned officials within eight days.“Eight days have passed, but the govt has not taken any action in the matter,” Bhosale said.The associations stated that the Sept 7 protests are intended to register their opposition to the govt’s handling of the issue and the administrative delays that have forced contractors to wait indefinitely for their money.Representatives of the three organisations said they would submit memoranda to their respective district collectors following the protests.
