Karnataka State Contractors Association writes to CM Siddaramaiah for not making payments as per seniority

ANI April 11, 2025 222 views

The Karnataka State Contractors Association has raised serious concerns about payment inequities in government contracts. KSCA President R. Manjunath wrote directly to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighting systematic payment discrimination against small and medium contractors. The letter alleges that influential contractors receive preferential treatment while 60% of contractors struggle to get paid. These allegations come amid concurrent BJP protests against the state government's economic policies, creating additional political tension in Karnataka.

"How are the rest supposed to survive?" - R. Manjunath, KSCA President
Bengaluru, April 11: Karnataka State Contractors Association (KSCA) President R. Manjunath has written a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, alleging that the state government does not make payments to contractors based on seniority.

Key Points

1

Karnataka contractors allege systematic payment discrimination

2

1.5 lakh contractors affected by government's selective funding

3

Middlemen interfering in public works payment processes

4

BJP protests government's economic policies simultaneously

In the letter, he mentioned that the interference of middlemen between contractors and government departments has increased significantly.

He stated that the government is supposed to release payments based on seniority as per the transparency law, but it is not doing so. "There are a total of 1.5 lakh contractors in the state, out of which 60% are small and medium-level contractors. These contractors are not receiving payments. Only influential contractors are being paid, and Manjunath questions, "How are the rest supposed to survive?," the letter reads.

In the letter to CM Siddaramaiah, he also alleges that middlemen are heavily involved in the release of funds in the Public Works Department, the four irrigation corporations, and the minor irrigation department. As a result, funds are not being released based on seniority in these departments.

Notably on April 3, Karnataka BJP leaders, including state president BY Vijayendra, former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, and senior leader CT Ravi, were detained by police on Thursday during protests against the policies and price hikes introduced by the Congress-led state government in Bengaluru.

The demonstrations, targeting the Siddaramaiah administration, led to a swift response from authorities. The leaders were taken into custody as tensions flared in the state capital.

The BJP in Karnataka were protesting against the state government over price hikes across multiple sectors. The opposition party leaders in the State staged an overnight protest in Bengaluru's Freedom Park and continued to demonstrate in the morning.

Stating that the Congress government has increased the prices of all the essentials, BJP MLC Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said that they want to remain in charge based on the five guarantees offered earlier.

The BJP leader took a dig at the ministers in the State government for passing the buck onto the centre for the price hike, saying that only "irresponsible" ministers could make such remarks.

Reader Comments

S
Sanjay P.
This is really concerning. Small contractors are the backbone of our infrastructure projects. If they're not getting paid on time, how will they manage their workers and materials? The government needs to address this ASAP.
P
Priya K.
The middlemen issue has been going on for years! 😠 Every government promises to fix it but nothing changes. When will we have a transparent system where hardworking people get what they deserve?
R
Rahul M.
While I agree payments should be timely, the article mixes two separate issues - contractor payments and BJP protests about price hikes. The government should respond to both concerns independently.
A
Ananya S.
My uncle is a small-time contractor in Belagavi. He's been waiting for payment since 8 months! The system is completely broken. Hope CM Siddaramaiah takes this letter seriously 🤞
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Vikram R.
The seniority-based payment system makes complete sense. First come, first served is the fairest way. But when politics and corruption get involved, common sense goes out the window.
N
Neha T.
I appreciate that the association is speaking up, but I wish they'd provided more concrete evidence of the alleged favoritism. Specific examples would make their case stronger against the government.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Karnataka Politics Siddaramaiah Contractors Payment Dispute Public Works R. Manjunath BJP Protest
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