Mumbai: Frustrated over the delays in payments of bills by the government, the contractors have threatened to go on strike from February 5 if the bills are not cleared.

The Maharashtra government is struggling to pay contractors, with dues piling up for the past eight months. While funds are being allocated to schemes like Ladki Bahin Yojna, contractors claim they are being ignored despite Rs 89,000 crore in unpaid bills. The Ladki Bahin Yojna, introduced before the elections, helped the Mahayuti alliance win a majority.

Now, with a new government in place, the Maharashtra State Contractors Association (MSCA) is again demanding payment for long-pending infrastructure and development projects. MSCA President Milind Bhosale stated that the Public Works Department (PWD) alone owes Rs 46,000 crore, with payments pending since July 2024. This delay has affected 4 lakh contractors and 4 crore workers dependent on infrastructure projects.

Minister Of State For Home (Urban) & Rural Development Denies Claims Of Negligence

Yogesh Kadam, Minister of State for Home (Urban) and Rural Development, denied the claims of negligence, saying the delays were due to the election code of conduct. He promised that payments would be addressed in the upcoming budget session. PWD Minister Shivendra Raje Bhosle also confirmed that talks with the finance department are happening, and funds will be released in installments. The government owes Public Works Department Rs 46,000 crore, Rs18,000 crore to Jal Jeevan Mission, Rs8,600 crore to Rural Development, Rs19,700 crore to Irrigation Department and Rs17,000 crore to the Urban Development.