Karwar: Contractors under the banner of the State Contractors Association took out a protest rally in Karwar, urging the State government to fulfil their various demands including releasing about Rs 22,000 crore pending bills in various departments in the State.

The rally was started from the premises of Maladevi Maidana and culminated in the premises of the Deputy Commissioner’s office. They expressed unhappiness over the government’s act. Later, submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner. 

Speaking to media persons after the protest, Uttara Kannada District Civil Contractors Association President Shyamsundar Bhat said, there are more than one thousand registered civil contractors in the district. They are completing the government works within the stipulated time. However, many government works are being given to KRIDL and district Nirmiti Kendra. By doing so, injustice is being meted out to them (contractors), he expressed unhappiness.

Association State President D Kempanna said, delay in releasing the bills of the contractors has put them in trouble. They are undergoing hardships to pay loans. Besides, labourers who have depended on them, are also facing problems.

They are aware of the economic condition of the government. Hence, their bills should be released in a phased manner. They have written letters to the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister in this regard, he stated.