Contractors’ association prez Kempanna alleges govt has not paid them for several months

BENGALURU:  The Karnataka State Contractors’ Association president D Kempanna has alleged that they are not getting their payments from the state government for works carried out even after five months of the new government assuming office.

At a press conference on Friday, he said, “We have met the CM and Deputy CM a few times and presented our appeal to them, but it has been of no use. The government is indifferent. The government should release at least 50 per cent of our dues. After the formation of the new government, payments have been stopped in the name of investigation”.

Kempanna further said some contractors are threatening to consume poison if pending payments are not made. “The are festivals coming up but payments yet to be released. Who is to be asked? The government should release the money as soon as possible. This is a continuous process of the government”.

He said, “The BBMP has not paid us for three years and they are saying that they will release only 10 per cent of the dues. We are in such a situation that many are committing suicide. Amid this, there is demand on us to bear the burden of GST”.

Kempanna said Class 3 and 4 contractors have already left the business. “I will meet the CM again. If the money is not released within 30 days, we will hold protest. The government has not issued the outstanding bill for five months. One contractor attempted suicide in Hubballi. The government should release 50 per cent of the dues immediately and the arrears of bills can be paid on the basis of seniority. We are in trouble. Our situation is more dire than the farmers. We do not have money, then how can we pay GST? The bank accounts of contractors have already been frozen”, he noted.

“This problem is in all districts. The CM should call a meeting immediately and evolve a system for payments to be made. The people of our state are not getting jobs and Andhra-based contractors are getting works. Now we are second class citizens”, Kempanna added.

Reacting to contractor association president Kempanna’s statement alleging non-release of pending bills, Deputy CM D K Shivakumar said, “We have released the money, but some investigations are still pending. The government is actively looking into the ongoing projects. We have disbursed the funds as per Kempanna’s previous statements. He can visit us if he wishes to discuss the matter further. We are committed to ensuring justice for the contractors. We have already released 65-70% of the funds, and we prioritize the timely disbursement of money”.

BJP leader Dr C N Ashwath Narayan said, “I don’t see any good things happening in this Congress government. Innocent people are being killed, and farmers are committing suicide. There’s no development and governance is completely out of control. The Cauvery water issue is also not being addressed effectively”.

Referring to the income tax raid on a builder, Ashwath Narayan said, “Now we got evidence to prove the government that is a ATM government. There is still money in many places. They have collected money by harassing and threatening people. This is extorted and loot money. The Congress made baseless accusations against our government. This is a huge example of how they collect commission”.