Govt contractors in Kerala threaten to stop work on rate hike

Kannur, Jun 14 (UNI) Government contractors in Kerala have decided to stop major construction works demanding a hike in rates in proportion to the prevailing material cost.

The State Executive Council of the All Kerala Government Contractors Association (AKGCA) decided to organise a Secretariat march on July 9 demanding urgent government interventtion to solve their problems.

Association state president V Surendran Pillai said the government had 'taken an irresponsible attitude' towards contractors.

AKGCA decided to stop major works on government contracts and demanded escalation in the agreed rate.

The government also failed to give the funds before the pre-monsoon works, he alleged.

The government had fixed the specification rates some 50 years back and about Rs 800 crore of arrears were pending to contractors in irrigation and building works, he claimed.

UNI AK CR GT CS1700