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Business
1.5 lakh contractors threaten protests over Rs 38,000 crore dues to Karnataka government
✍️ indiatoday.in
🗓 30 Sep 2026, 07:02 AM
👁 16
Around 150,000 contractors have warned the Karnataka government that they will stage protests if the pending dues of roughly Rs 38,000 crore are not released.
A coalition of approximately 150,000 contractors in Karnataka has issued a warning to the state government, stating that they will resort to public protests unless pending payments totaling about Rs 38,000 crore are cleared. The contractors, representing a broad spectrum of construction and infrastructure projects, say the arrears have severely impacted their operations and cash flow.
The warning was conveyed through a joint statement, which highlighted the scale of the outstanding dues and urged the government to expedite the settlement process. While specific timelines were not disclosed, the contractors emphasized that continued delays could compel them to organize demonstrations across the state.
State officials have not yet responded publicly to the threat, but the magnitude of the claim underscores the financial strain faced by the construction sector in Karnataka. The issue is expected to draw attention from both industry stakeholders and policymakers as the deadline for payment remains uncertain.
If the contractors follow through with their protest plans, it could disrupt ongoing projects and affect employment in the sector, prompting further scrutiny of the state's fiscal management of contractor payments.
The warning was conveyed through a joint statement, which highlighted the scale of the outstanding dues and urged the government to expedite the settlement process. While specific timelines were not disclosed, the contractors emphasized that continued delays could compel them to organize demonstrations across the state.
State officials have not yet responded publicly to the threat, but the magnitude of the claim underscores the financial strain faced by the construction sector in Karnataka. The issue is expected to draw attention from both industry stakeholders and policymakers as the deadline for payment remains uncertain.
If the contractors follow through with their protest plans, it could disrupt ongoing projects and affect employment in the sector, prompting further scrutiny of the state's fiscal management of contractor payments.