Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): The All Haryana PWD Contractors Association has announced plans for a large-scale agitation across the state to protest pending payments totaling nearly 900 crore rupees, or approximately 147 million Canadian dollars. During a crucial state-level meeting held at Nirman Sadan in Sector 33-A, Chandigarh, frustrated contractors from across the state gathered to voice their grievances regarding the long-delayed clearances, escalating material costs, and ongoing administrative hurdles within various government departments. In an escalating move, the association decided to bypass local authorities and approach Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly during his upcoming visit to demand an immediate release of their outstanding funds.
Association Chairman Ashok Jain, President Jai Bhagwan, and Vice President Manoj Chahal collectively appealed to all PWD contractors to immediately halt any development work related to the Prime Minister’s scheduled visit on July 17. Following the main assembly, a delegation of around 100 contractors confronted the Engineer-in-Chief and other senior administrative officials to formally register their complaints. Leadership warned that the persistent payment delays coupled with the rising costs of essential construction materials have pushed contractors into a severe financial crisis, which is actively disrupting development projects across the state. The association concluded that if the Haryana government fails to initiate constructive measures and clear the dues swiftly, a definitive timeline for a state-wide protest will be launched.
