Govt. driving Mana Ooru–Mana Badi contractors to distress: Harish Rao

Former Minister and Deputy Floor Leader of BRS in the Assembly T. Harish Rao has demanded that the government clear long-pending bills of civil contractors who executed works under the “Mana Ooru–Mana Badi” programme immediately.

In a statement issued after a delegation of the contractor met him here on Monday, Mr. Harish Rao said the continued delay would push small contractors into financial distress and in some cases to tragic ends. The delegation explained their plight due to non-payment of dues by the government.

Mr. Harish Rao said the “Mana Ooru–Mana Badi” programme was launched by the previous BRS government to improve infrastructure and basic amenities in government schools.

“After the change of the government, about 1,500 small contractors have not received a single rupee for the works completed. Many of them had borrowed money on interest to complete the works and are now unable to repay loans. It is sad that some of them have succumbed due to debt pressure and lost their lives,” he said.

Despite repeated representations made at Prajavani, making rounds to the Education Department offices and requests for appointment with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, the contractors had not received any response so far, the BRS leader said.