GHMC contractors protest over Rs 9K cr payment dues

HYDERABAD: Contractors of the GHMC on Tuesday staged a protest at the civic body’s headquarters demanding clearance of dues, estimated around Rs9,000 crores, that have been pending for over a year. The protesters said 3,000 contractors undertook petty works but are yet to be paid.

On Tuesday morning, they gathered at the Contractors’ Association, which is on the premises of the GHMC headquarters, but hundreds of protesters were detained by the police, who also shut the gate.  

Following a stand-off, contractors forced their way into the building, raised slogans, tied black headbands, and delivered speeches to put forth their demands.

The protestors questioned why when the government was collecting property taxes on time and selling each acre of prime land for Rs100 crore, it was keeping their payments on hold.

“Where is all that money going? Pending bills are for the works we started in August and September of 2022. An audit was completed in January, but the bills are yet to be cleared. Contractors are fearful of losing out on payments once the model code of conduct for elections comes into force,” a protester said.

Khalid Abdul Hai, a contractor, said: “I have been in this field for the past 42 years and never faced such an awkward situation. For the past two years, the contractors have been suffering.”

R. Kurmaiah, another contractor, said: “My dues are at Rs80 lakh. I took a loan on interest, as the labourers will not come for work if they are not paid. The government should understand our situation.”

Tummala Srinivas Rao, another protester, in his speech, said: “When taking up the contract, we are made to sign on 114 times in 33 pages. After completing the job, the authorities are least bothered to come and inspect. Each contractor hires 20 to 30 employees; the dues affect everyone’s lives.”

Bonthu Ramesh, another contractor, said: “For manhole works, cleaning sewage, and monsoon preparation, we were there to undertake the works. Some sold properties and some sold their wives’ gold to make payments for machinery, labour, and material. How can the civic authorities delay payments? Without us, will this city be green and clean?”