Local Goa News

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Contractors create forum against govt over non-payment of ` 400 cr

Say ‘false’ payment promise of ` 200 crore before Chaturthi left them high and dry

PANJIM: Nearly 200 government contractors have joined hands against the BJP-led government’s failure to release payments amounting to a whopping Rs 400 cr pending for several years.
Addressing the media, Goa Government Contractors Forum (GGCF) Convener, Jitesh Kamat, said government civil contractors of roads, buildings, bridge and water supply have come together to form a forum to deal with major problems like delays in getting payment.

They said they have gathered bills amounting to Rs 400 crore that were pending with the government and works of more than Rs 200 crore are in progress, whose bills will be submitted in the coming few months.
“Government had discussed in the Assembly and mentioned that they are going to clear bills of Rs 200 crore before Chaturthi, which led us to face humiliation as suppliers, banks, financial institutions and other dependants thought that we had been paid,” Kamat said
He said the forum has decided to submit a memorandum to the Governor, Chief Minister, PWD Minister, Chief Secretary and Principal Chief Engineer.
GGCF President Sangram Kerkar said the fund problem is not new to contractors. He alleged that major construction companies undertaking major development works and who have holding capacity get preference for payments, but contractors who cannot undertake big works due to financial constraints are not being paid.
“We are not against any development, we are a part of development but the government should not take us for granted,” Kerkar said.
He said the problem is not new and for the past three years the contractors have faced problems due to lack of funds. He added that the government has helped those affected due to mining, helped Western Shipyard employees and questioned why it is not helping the contractors.

Herald Goa News

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