The Odisha Contractors’ Federation has intensified its agitation against the state government, alleging that several policy decisions are adversely affecting local contractors while favouring outside firms. The protesters have renewed their sit-in outside Nirman Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, demanding the immediate implementation of assurances reportedly given by the government months ago.

Federation president Prabhat Das said the contractors had earlier suspended their protest after the government accepted their demands in principle. However, he alleged that despite the passage of nearly four months, none of the commitments have been implemented, forcing the association to resume its agitation.

“We will continue our democratic protest until the legitimate demands of Odisha’s contractors are fulfilled,” Das said.

Contractors Raise Concerns Over Existing Policies

Representatives of the contractors’ federation said local contractors have played a significant role in executing development projects across Odisha. However, they alleged that recent administrative and policy changes have created financial and operational difficulties for contractors across all categories, including Super, Special, A, B, C and D class contractors.

The association claimed these issues are not only affecting contractors but could also impact the timely execution and quality of government infrastructure projects.

Five Major Demands

The contractors’ federation has placed the following five demands before the state government:

• Immediate revision of the Schedule of Rates (SOR).
• Restoration of the earlier system for works worth up to ₹5 lakh to ensure quicker execution of emergency repairs and safeguard the livelihood of small contractors.
• Review and rationalisation of the APS system.
• Amendments to the Standard Bidding Document (SBD) to provide equal opportunities for new and young contractors.
• Withdrawal of the day-wise penalty imposed under the Extension of Time (EOT) provision.

Convener of the joint platform, Anil Mahalik, urged the government to address these demands without further delay, saying they are essential for the survival of local contractors and the smooth execution of public works.

Electrical Contractors Extend Support

Supporting the agitation, Ashish Kumar Som, president of the Electrical Contractors’ Association, said Odia contractors have consistently played a crucial role in executing emergency and public infrastructure works across the state.

He alleged that recent government policies have undermined the interests of local contractors and warned that continued neglect of their concerns could affect the implementation of future development projects.

The contractors’ associations have urged the state government to initiate discussions and resolve the pending issues at the earliest to avoid further escalation of the protest.