Hundreds of contractors from across Odisha staged a protest outside Nirman Soudh in Bhubaneswar, pressing the government to address their eight-point charter of demands.
The demonstration was organized under the banner of the All Odisha Contractors’ Association.
Contractors demanded changes in contract policies, clearance of pending bills across departments, revision of project costs, and timely updates to the Schedule of Rates (SOR). They also sought review and availability of mining lists, transparency in tender processes, improved safety measures, and better working conditions.
Leaders of the association accused the government of ignoring long-standing issues. They alleged irregularities and fixing in tender procedures, which they said undermined fairness. Many contractors highlighted financial distress due to non-payment of bills, claiming that several firms are struggling to survive.
The association warned that if the government fails to meet their demands, they will launch a statewide indefinite agitation. Protesters emphasised that the eight-point charter reflects urgent needs for reforms and accountability in the contracting system.
