Maharashtra PWD Requests Immediate Release of ₹10,000 Crore for Contractors
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra PWD has urged the state’s leadership to expedite the release of ₹10,000 crore to settle payments owed to contractors on strike since February 5, halting essential infrastructure projects. The outstanding dues total ₹89,000 crore, significantly impacting smaller contractors engaged in various district-level works.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra PWD requests ₹10,000 crore for payment.
- Contractors on strike since February 5 over unpaid dues.
- Total outstanding payments are ₹89,000 crore.
- Significant dues owed to small contractors.
- Urgent need to resolve payment issues for ongoing projects.
Mumbai, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Maharashtra public works department (PWD) has made a request to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar for the prompt release of ₹10,000 crore to address the payments owed to the contractors who are currently on strike.
PWD Minister Shivendraraje Bhosale mentioned that discussions have taken place with both the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister, who have shown a favorable attitude towards the contractors' demands.
“The department is optimistic about our request for ₹10,000 crore to be released urgently. This funding will assist in settling the contractors' dues,” stated Shivendraraje Bhosale, the state PWD minister.
Since February 5, contractors in Maharashtra have been on strike, halting all ongoing infrastructure projects, as they claim that payments amounting to ₹89,000 crore from various departments have not been received since July 2024.
The outstanding ₹89,000 crore owed to the contractors comprises ₹46,000 crore from the state's Public Works Department (PWD), ₹18,000 crore from the Jal Jeevan Mission under the Water Supply and Sanitation Department, ₹8,600 crore from the Rural Development Department, ₹19,700 crore from the Irrigation Department, and ₹1,700 crore for work done under DPDC, MLA fund, and MP fund.
Bhosale acknowledged that there are ongoing issues regarding contractor payments.
“Nevertheless, the dues are not solely from the past year; some are from previous years as well,” he explained, noting that a significant portion of the payments pertains to road and bridge projects.
“These are district-level projects where smaller contractors are facing difficulties. We recognize their challenges and are actively working towards solutions,” the minister stated.
He highlighted that approximately ₹18,000 crore is required in the current fiscal year.
When questioned about the high volume of work orders issued during the election year, the minister defended the decision, asserting that the matter of resolving the pending bills for contractors will be addressed shortly.
