News: Samantha Machado
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Jan 4: Members of Udupi District Contractor Association (DCA), on Monday January 4, demanded release of due amount Rs 12.72 lac to the contractors from the government at a press meet.

Speaking at the press meet, Annayaiah Nayak Patla said, “The government has to pay the due amount before January 15. If the money is not paid by then, all the construction work will be halted and the contractors will go onto a massive protest in front of DC office”.

“Government has to pay Rs 12.72 lac under drinking water project to the contractors. Around 442 bills are pending of 150 contractors in the district,” he said.

“The contractors have not yet received Rs 4.16 lac from the bank which the government has already passed. MESCOM on the other hand, has not received the bill amount which affects the electric supply used for drinking water. The government is reluctant to pass the bill amount which is making the contractors suffer. It is a possibility that the contractors may attempt to commit suicide like the farmers in the district,” he said.

“The ratio of rain, in comparison to previous years, has decreased of late, hence it is required to construct bridges, vented dams in river and develop rivers and lakes. Otherwise, people may face drought in the month of April-May,” he added.

Association treasurer Ratnakar Shetty, Manjunath Nayak and Harish Udyavar were present.