Bengaluru – Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar faced a stern warning from the Karnataka State Contractors’ Association (KSCA) over unpaid bills worth Rs 33,000 crore and said he won’t back down.
During a “Bengaluru Nadige” walk‑in event at Venkayya Park in the K.R. Puram constituency, Shivakumar told reporters that the KSCA’s strict deadline does not bind him. He will meet the association directly and continue to pay contractors step by step until the debt is cleared.
The KSCA warned last week the Congress‑led state government must release the arrears or it will stop all construction projects and stage a mass protest. KSCA president R. Manjunath said the government had promised to resolve contractor issues but has yet to release any funds. After degrees of the state budget were stretched by the former BJP administration, contractors now face long delays.
Shivakumar explained that the unpaid amount totals Rs 52 crore, with some departments already paying smaller sums, leaving Rs 33 crore outstanding. He added he wants a quick resolution and will keep the conversation open directly with the association.
Beyond the payment dispute, Shivakumar spoke about infrastructure plans for the K.R. Puram area. He said the government will link the new tunnel road to the national highway, flyovers, and the metro. “We may not solve every grievance, but we’re trying hard,” he assured.
He also revealed a new administrative move: five new municipal corporations will take over, and revenue will stay within the same zone. Bengaluru East Corporation will receive Rs 1,600 crore of the Rs 6,000 crore tax collection, and that money will fund local civic work instead of being sent elsewhere. The corporation council can spend up to Rs 10 crore and the commissioner up to Rs 3 crore on projects without tender.
The KSCA said it will wait another month for the payment. If the government fails to release the money, it plans a large‑scale protest.
This exchange underscores the ongoing tug‑of‑war between contractors and the Karnataka government over a massive payment backlog, a story that keeps Bengaluru’s development front and centre.
Source: ianslive
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