Haveri Contractors Urge Government to Clear ₹738 Crore in Pending Dues

Haveri, Karnataka – The Haveri District Contractors’ Association has raised serious concerns over ₹738 crore in unpaid bills, urging the state government to clear long-pending dues for works completed in recent years. At a press conference on Sunday, Mallikarjun Haveri, Taluk President of the Association, voiced the growing distress among contractors, warning that continued inaction could lead to severe consequences for those affected.

Mallikarjun alleged that several contractors have been pushed into financial distress after borrowing large sums at high interest rates to complete public projects. “Many of us paid commissions to officials and intermediaries with the expectation that our dues would be cleared. Unfortunately, the system continues to delay payments,” he said, adding that the burden is especially heavy in departments like Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited (KNNL) and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR).

The association cited that dues include ₹200 crore with the Public Works Department, ₹138 crore with RDPR, and ₹400 crore for works commissioned during the previous state administration.

Earlier, contractors had staged a protest in Belagavi during the winter session, after which assurances were made by the Public Works Minister to clear payments in phases by March-end. However, many bills remain unsettled.

The association is now requesting that the government address the issue urgently by the end of April, emphasizing the emotional and financial toll on contractors and their families.

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