Karnataka Contractors' Association Engages Siddaramaiah Over Release of Pending Bills; CM Commits to Action
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Synopsis
On March 3, a delegation from the Karnataka Contractors’ Association met CM Siddaramaiah to demand the release of Rs 30,000 crore in pending bills. The government committed to action while criticizing the previous BJP administration for the circumstances leading to the backlog.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Contractors’ Association seeks release of Rs 30,000 crore.
- CM Siddaramaiah criticizes previous BJP government.
- Financial constraints affect fund releases.
- Commission payments to contractors deemed unacceptable.
- Upcoming budget discussions set for March 7.
Bengaluru, March 3 (NationPress) A group from the Karnataka Contractors’ Association had an audience with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday, urging the release of Rs 30,000 crore in outstanding bills. The government assured them it would release the funds when feasible but criticized previous administrations for the current predicament.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remarked that the former BJP government issued tenders without allocating budgetary funds, leading contractors to proceed with projects.
In a media briefing following the meeting, CM Siddaramaiah stated, “The contractors indicated that Rs 30,000 crore worth of bills remain pending with the government. They requested Rs 15,000 crore to be released in April. I informed them that this is not achievable but assured them we will release as much as possible.”
When questioned about the Contractors’ Association's intention to engage with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge if their dues are not cleared, CM Siddaramaiah replied, “If they wish to meet, I have no objection. However, we must evaluate our financial capacity before disbursing any funds.”
He further probed how such a considerable amount of unpaid bills had accumulated.
“Why is there such a backlog? Why did contractors participate when tenders were issued without secured funding? The previous BJP government called for tenders without financial reservations, and contractors proceeded with the work. That is how the unpaid bills accrued. Are we to blame for this?” he questioned.
On whether the contractors were employing pressure tactics, CM Siddaramaiah stated, “They can lodge complaints with anyone, but fund releases must align with the state’s financial health. We are not opposed to clearing outstanding bills.”
Regarding commission fees, CM Siddaramaiah emphasized that contractors should not pay any commissions.
“Why should they? They should simply refuse. Both the payer and the recipient of a bribe are culpable,” he argued.
“No one should be paying commissions. We do not request commissions. Until now, I have never solicited money to release funds or clear outstanding bills,” he affirmed.
CM Siddaramaiah also discussed the recent Joint Business Advisory Committee meeting, confirming that all opposition leaders and members were present. He outlined the legislative agenda, noting that discussions on the Governor’s address would span three days.
“I will respond to the discussion on the Governor’s speech, and the subsequent day, I will address related queries in the council. On March 7, I will unveil the 2025-26 budget,” he noted.
Budget discussions will continue until March 19, after which he will respond to the Assembly’s deliberations. “On March 20, I will address the budget discussions in the council,” CM Siddaramaiah added.
When asked about expectations from his budget announcement, CM Siddaramaiah remarked, “The budget is a confidential document. I cannot disclose any specifics.”
