Vijayapura: The members of Bijapur District Contractors’ Association have extended full support to the one-month-long protest called by Karnataka Contractors’ Association in the City.
After the death of contractor Santosh Patil, who has allegedly committed suicide, the members of State Contractors’ Association have decided to go on a month long strike opposing the atrocities of the Government. The contractors claimed that they will stop all the ongoing works/projects for a month. The decision has been taken after Patil allegedly committed suicide, while the relatives of Patil have accused Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K. S. Eshwarappa for creating a situation which forced him to take such an extreme step.
Even the contractors from Vijayapura have expressed full support to the state association for their one-month-long protest. They also condoled the death of Santosh and demanded justice for his alleged suicide.
C. R. Rodagi, Chairman of Vijayapura District Contractors’ Association, pointed out that, “The contractors will always be under severe pressure until the Government clear bills. If the Government delays clearing payments, then contractors have to pay huge interest from their own pockets for the loans they took while carrying out works. Along with this the percentage demand from politicians in every project is a big headache.”
“The demand for commission or percentage from politicians in each project exists in all the parts of the state including in Vijayapura. The politicians demand more commission in this region also. With raw materials prices sky+rocketing it has become difficult to manage project works and also politicians.”
“We condemn the death of contractor Santosh Patil. The Government has to carry out a detailed investigation and serve justice to the family. We have also decided to extend financial help to the victim’s family. With the consent of all the members, we have extended support to the strike called by the State Contractors’ Association,” said chairman Rodagi. Several contractors have expressed anguish over the ministers and elected members for demanding high percentage in projects.
“If any contractor spells out the names of politicians that demand high commission in projects then he/she will be targeted. He/she will be denied projects in future. The Government has to bring out strict policy with regard to financial management in all the projects. The atrocities against contractors from politicians is at its peak in the State. We cannot point out one person. Everyone is involved in this crime. I strongly condemn this death and the Minister has to tender his resignation until he is given clean-chit,” demanded a Class-I contractor, who wished to be unnamed.
