Contractors Warn of Statewide Work Halt on April 7 Amid Rs 96,000 Crore Pending Payments
Maharashtra contractors warn of halting work on April 7 over Rs 96,000 crore unpaid dues.
Contractors across Maharashtra have issued a warning of a potential statewide shutdown on April 7, citing pending government payments totaling Rs 96,000 crore. The move comes amid growing frustration among construction and infrastructure firms, who say delayed dues are severely affecting their operations and cash flows.
Industry representatives have called on the state government to release the pending payments immediately, warning that a failure to do so could halt major projects across roads, bridges, and public infrastructure. Contractors claim that prolonged delays are not only stalling ongoing projects but also jeopardizing employment for thousands of laborers in the sector.
The Maharashtra Contractors’ Association, which represents a large number of small and medium-sized firms, stated that several reminders and meetings with government officials over the past months have yielded no concrete results. They emphasized that the Rs 96,000 crore in pending dues includes payments for both completed projects and ongoing work.
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If the strike goes ahead, experts say it could significantly disrupt infrastructure timelines and delay public services dependent on these projects. Some industry analysts have warned that a prolonged shutdown may have ripple effects on the state’s economy, given the critical role of construction in employment and supply chains.
The state government has yet to issue an official response, though sources indicate that talks are underway to resolve the issue before the planned April 7 action. Officials are reportedly reviewing pending invoices and exploring mechanisms to expedite payments to contractors.
Contractors maintain that immediate intervention is necessary to prevent a shutdown. They have urged the government to ensure timely disbursal of dues, highlighting that the construction sector’s stability is vital for both economic growth and public infrastructure development in Maharashtra.
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