Contractors working for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation staged a demonstration in front of the corporation’s headquarters on Thursday, demanding immediate payment of money due to them for the works carried out last year.
The situation turned tense when a couple of the contractors threatened self-immolation, drenching themselves in kerosene, but their attempt was thwarted by their colleagues.
A large number of contractors staged a sit-in blocking the entrance of the buildings and raised slogans against the Congress government, the corporation, and the commissioner. Placards with slogans of ‘No payment, no work’ were held aloft while the GHMC Contractors Association threatened to stop works if payments are not made forthwith.
Surender Singh, the general secretary of the association, alleged that close to ₹1,500 crore has been pending from the GHMC to the contractors since January last year.
Protesting contractors also expressed their opposition to a circular issued by the commissioner recently, which mandated social audit of the works done, before payments are made.
“We are not against audit and inspections. But the clause, which was implemented previously, was relaxed after it led to largescale corruption at all levels,” Mr. Singh said.
A few contractors who spoke at the meeting held after the demonstration revealed that they had to pay bribes at every level, including for making entries in books.
Towards the evening, Commissioner K. Ilambarithi called the representatives of the association for talks, and assured them that part of the payment would be made before Sankranti festival.
“The commissioner assured that the dues up to June-July of last year would be summarily paid before the festival, as there is continuous support from the government,” Mr. Singh said.
Published – January 10, 2025 12:17 am IST