Shillong, October 27: The Meghalaya Alliance of Contractors & Suppliers Welfare Association has sought the intervention of Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong to clear pending contractors’ bills, release eligible security deposits and consider reserving government works valued below ₹10 crore for eligible local contractors.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Tynsong, the association’s general secretary, R. Khongwar, said a memorandum submitted to the Deputy Chief Minister outlined seven demands concerning the Roads and Buildings divisions of the Public Works Department (PWD).
Khongwar said delays in payments, issues related to work allocation, pending security deposits and outdated construction rates had caused financial hardship to contractors and suppliers.
The association urged the government to clear outstanding bills for completed works, stating that prolonged delays had affected contractors’ ability to meet financial obligations and sustain their operations.
It also sought the refund of 8 per cent security deposits deducted from contractors’ bills wherever they had become eligible for release under the applicable contract conditions. According to the association, some deposits had remained pending for several years. It called for a review of such cases and a clear timeline for settlement.
On the allocation of government projects, the association requested the government to consider reserving works valued below ₹10 crore for eligible local contractors, subject to applicable laws, procurement rules and government policies. It also called for fair and transparent opportunities for qualified members to undertake projects under both PWD divisions.
The association further urged the government to frame guidelines against the unjustified splitting of works, stating that such practices could undermine fair competition, transparency and the interests of local contractors. It stressed that project packages should comply with applicable procurement rules and guidelines.
Another demand was an increase in fund allocations for the Roads and Buildings divisions to facilitate the smooth implementation of development projects and ensure timely payments to contractors.
The memorandum also called for an early revision of the Schedule of Rates, which the association said continued to be based on 2020–2021 rates. It urged the government to account for prevailing prices of construction materials, labour charges, transportation expenses and other relevant costs.
The association said updated rates would help contractors execute projects at realistic costs while maintaining the prescribed quality and standards.
It also proposed regular consultations between the government and representatives of contractors and suppliers to address their concerns and resolve outstanding issues.
