Karnataka Contractors Announce March 5 Protest in Bengaluru Over ₹37,000 Crore Pending Dues

Manjunath expressed dissatisfaction that the Chief Minister, who also holds the Finance portfolio, has not convened a meeting with contractors for over two and a half years. “A half-hour meeting with the Finance Minister could resolve most of our issues,” he said, adding that repeated representations to the Chief Secretary and concerned ministers have yielded no results.

The association alleged that both old and new bills amounting to nearly ₹37,000 crore have been pending since 2021. As an example, Manjunath pointed out that contractors in Mysuru alone are awaiting payments of nearly ₹14 crore. “We have completed works after taking loans. How are we expected to survive without payments?” he questioned.

The association further claimed that nearly 1.5 lakh contractors across the state are facing financial distress due to delayed payments. Manjunath also criticised what he described as increasing intermediary influence in the present system and accused the government of giving priority to select sectors over others.

Responding to a query, he suggested that the continued delay in clearing dues raises concerns about the state’s financial position. He also compared the present situation with previous administrations, stating that expectations of transparent governance have not been met.

Several office bearers of the association, including District President Suresh and other state leaders, were present at the press meet.

The planned protest is expected to intensify pressure on the state government ahead of the upcoming budget cycle, as contractors seek immediate clearance of long-pending bills and structured dialogue with the government.