Karnataka contractors seek release of ₹38,000 crore in pending dues
The Karnataka State Contractors’ Association says unpaid bills for works executed since 2021-22 are affecting nearly 1.5 lakh contractors and their dependents.
The Karnataka State Contractors’ Association has urged the state government to clear nearly ₹38,000 crore in pending payments for development works, according to The Hindu.
In a representation submitted to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday, the association stated that bills for works executed since 2021-22 remain unpaid across various departments.
Responding to the demand, Chief Minister Shivakumar told presspersons that the government is working to bring the situation under control and will address valid demands. He added that discussions are being held with officials from the Energy Department, Bescom, and KPTCL.
Association president R. Manjunath recalled previous assurances, noting that Shivakumar had promised to clear dues in a single instalment during a protest on March 6, 2026, and later assured payments within two months during a meeting on June 30.
The association alleged a lack of transparency in tendering and payment processes. It urged the government to stop inviting tenders without budgetary allocation and to clear existing dues before taking up fresh development works.
Other demands include releasing the 8 per cent VAT-GST differential for 2017-18 and 2018-19, clearing Jal Jeevan Mission bills, and reviewing alleged irregularities in the Forest Department’s award of works under Section 13(B).