Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar
Contractors said the release covers less than 10% of dues and ad-hoc measure has no real impact on loans piling up. R Manjunath, association president, said “What is the use if payments are made once in 3-4 months? Manjunath said the CMO has sought a meeting with the association and alleged that the Rs 1,400 crore earmarked for irrigation bills would be paid out based on seniority, benefiting bigger contractors and leaving smaller contractors waiting. The association puts pending bills at Rs 13,000 crore for major and medium irrigation, Rs 8,370 crore for PWD, Rs 3,800 crore for RDPR and Rs 3,000 crore for minor irrigation.
A senior govt official said that finance department will issue an NOC for the purpose and added that a similar exercise may be taken up to clear dues of PWD contractors. “Departments can use the funds judiciously and maintain a balance between expenditure for current work and pending bills,” said an official. Officials said govt cannot go beyond existing budgetary allocations and that there will be no additional provision to clear dues. Officials said these figures may include estimates for ongoing work.
They should clear the amount in one single stroke and do whatever they please later.