M’htra contractors and engineers seek Govt action against political extortion
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In a joint effort to address the rising threats, extortion calls, and hooliganism affecting their work, two prominent organizations representing state-approved contractors and engineers involved in developmental projects have written a letter to the Maharashtra Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers, urging the implementation of protective legislation.
The Maharashtra State Contractors Association (MSCA) and State Engineers Association (SEA) highlighted the alarming trend of political adversaries and local-level politicians obstructing ongoing projects through physical violence and monetary extortion, according to a report published in The Indian Express.
The letter, dated February 3, outlines a distressing scenario where contractors and labourers face intimidation and assault, hindering project progress across various districts in Maharashtra.
These groups, allegedly affiliated with opposition factions, employ coercive tactics such as filing false complaints and demanding illicit payments from contractors. Despite enduring such adversities, contractors are compelled to continue their work under immense pressure to meet project deadlines.
Milind Bhosle, president of both MSCA and SEA, lamented the significant disruption caused by political rivalries, leading to delays and financial losses in executing government-approved projects valued at approximately Rs one lakh crore. Bhosle emphasized the failure of government officials to address these issues adequately, resulting in contractors bearing the brunt of penalties for project delays while perpetrators evade accountability.
The associations issued a warning, declaring their intention to halt all project activities by the end of February unless concrete measures are taken to safeguard contractors and engineers. They urged state authorities to enact stringent laws to curb violence and ensure a conducive working environment for project execution.
According to estimates provided, the Public Works Department (PWD) alone oversees projects worth around Rs 45,000 crore, encompassing road construction, building infrastructure, and other government initiatives. Additionally, projects totalling Rs 11,000 crore have been approved through zilla parishads, with substantial allocations allocated to departments such as Water Conservation, Irrigation, and Tourism.
The backdrop of political upheaval within Maharashtra adds complexity to the situation, with the ruling Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition undergoing significant realignments since losing power in June 2022.
Factional splits within key parties, including the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), have reshaped the state's political landscape. Recent incidents, such as the shooting involving a BJP MLA and a local Shiv Sena leader, underscore the volatile nature of political rivalries at the grassroots level.