Contractors working with the BBMP, who are yet to get their dues amounting up to Rs 1,600 crore, have threatened that they will not participate in any tender process in future. There are more than 2,500 contractors who undertake civil, electrical, horticulture and other works for the BBMP.
Speaking to Express, R J Srinivas, the BBMP Contractors’ Association president, said the Palike has not paid more than Rs 1,600 crore since August 2012. “We staged a protest at the BBMP office on Wednesday. The BBMP released Rs 80 crore for August 2012. Bills for another 15 months are pending. BBMP authorities promised to pay another month’s bill by October end. If they do not pay, we will not participate in any tenders,” he threatened. “At present around Rs 500 crore worth of works are going on. We are also planning to go to court for a stay order in this regard,” he said.
When asked about the contractors’ threat, Mayor Satyanarayana said they were aware of the BBMP’s financial situation. “When revenue is generated, we shall pay the dues,” he said.