Karnataka contractors call strike on March 6 over pending dues

Contractors in Karnataka will hold a symbolic strike on March 6 over unpaid dues. GBA owes ₹1,600 crore, statewide arrears ₹37,000 crore

The Greater Bangalore Municipal Corporation Contractors’ Association (GBA) and the Karnataka State Contractors’ Association have announced a symbolic strike on March 6, citing massive arrears and unresolved grievances. A preliminary meeting was held in Bengaluru at the Vijayanagar Club, where contractors from across the city gathered to discuss the crisis.

Pending Payments and Arrears

Contractors revealed that GBA owes them nearly ₹2,600 crore, of which only ₹1,000 crore has been cleared in stages. The remaining ₹1,600 crore is still pending, along with security deposits for works completed five years ago. Statewide, dues amount to ₹37,000 crore across departments, with payments delayed for over three years.

Contractors’ Grievances

Association leader R. Manjunath stated that repeated appeals to the Chief Minister have gone unanswered. He alleged that officials and secretaries continue to postpone meetings, leaving contractors in financial distress. Many have taken loans, faced bankruptcy, or even resorted to suicide. Manjunath also criticized the introduction of package tenders, claiming they encourage corruption and “match” within the cabinet.

Also Read:Age rule triggers admission crisis: 2.3 lakh Karnataka children denied Class 1 entry

Political Allegations

The association accused certain MLAs of executing works under relatives’ names and taking commissions. They alleged that corruption spans across parties, with percentages higher during Congress rule compared to BJP.

Strike Plans

On March 6, contractors will halt work across BWSSB, GBA, and PWD projects, with 15,000–20,000 participants expected at Freedom Park. The strike will be symbolic, lasting one day, but leaders warned of an indefinite strike in April if demands remain unmet. Plans include a foot march from the CM’s constituency to Bengaluru, organized with the blessings of Chamundeshwari Mata.

Contractors insist that unless arrears are cleared and reforms introduced, they will escalate their struggle, intensifying protests in the coming weeks.

Also Read: Dry fruits prices surge in Bengaluru amid Iran–Israel conflict