GBA contractors extend support to protest from tomorrow over unpaid dues

BENGALURU: The Karnataka State Contractors’ Association is planning to go on strike from Friday, and the GBA (Greater Bengaluru Authority) Contractors Association has announced its full support for the protest.

The contractors are demanding immediate release of 10 per cent of the withheld payments that have been pending for five years, release of 25 per cent bills for works done under NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), settlement of pending bills worth Rs 37,000 crore that have been pending for 27 months, abolition of the package system, which, they say, is allegedly favouring large contractors and depriving small contractors of work opportunities, and reduction of corruption and harassment by officials, who are allegedly demanding bribes and creating hurdles for contractors.

The GBA Contractors Association claims that corruption has increased in the region, with officials misusing their powers and creating problems for contractors. They are also questioning the purpose of issuing licences to contractors if they are not allowed to work. The association has decided to stop work and participate in the protest, which will be held at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Thurs. The protest is expected to be a major show of strength by contractors across the state.