Bengaluru: Amid mounting pressure from contractors over pending bills, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has asserted that while the government understands their concerns, no one can intimidate the administration. His remarks came after a meeting with representatives of the State Contractors’ Association at his official residence in Kumara Park.
Addressing the media, Shivakumar blamed the previous BJP governments led by B.S. Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai for exceeding budgetary limits and awarding excessive contracts. “This has created a backlog. I’ve cleared bills to the extent possible. Contractors are not limited to those present here—they’re spread across the state,” he said.
He revealed that his own Irrigation Department has Rs 200 crore in available funds but faces a staggering Rs 17,000 crore in pending bills. “With just Rs 200 crore, how do I decide which bills to clear? Whom should I instruct?” he asked.
New System on the Horizon:
Shivakumar acknowledged the pressure from both small and large contractors, some of whom are owed amounts ranging from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 2,000 crore. He promised to introduce a new system to streamline payments and address grievances, stating that details would be shared soon.
On allegations of commission demands for bill clearance, he said, “I’ve asked contractors to file complaints. We’ll investigate. But no one can threaten the government over this.” He added that contractors have since denied making such accusations.
CM Meeting and Legal Review:
Contractors have requested the release of 10% of pending bills under municipal limits. Shivakumar said he is exploring legal avenues to facilitate this and will arrange a meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to discuss departmental issues and grievances.
He also reminded the media that he had warned contractors during his time in opposition: “I had clearly said—there’s no budget, no money, don’t take up work. I won’t be held responsible.”
On Promised Bill Clearance by January:
Responding to reports that bills would be cleared by January, Shivakumar said the decision would depend on the state’s financial condition. “Those who’ve worked must be paid. But we can act only when the Finance Department releases funds,” he clarified.
When asked about contractors threatening to escalate the issue to the party high command if bills aren’t cleared by December, he responded bluntly: “I’ll schedule the meeting myself. Let them go and file their complaint.”
The remarks reflect the government’s balancing act between fiscal constraints and mounting contractor pressure, with systemic reforms likely to follow.
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