Highlighting that the Maharashtra Government has not cleared contractors’ pending bills to the tune of Rs 90,000 crore, the Builders Association of India (BAI) on Sunday said it is planning to file a writ petition against the Government. Addressing a gathering of Government contractors here in the city, Jagannath Jadhav, State Chairman, BAI, said payment of dues worth more than Rs 90,000 crore to the contractors for carrying out works, throughout the state of Maharashtra in the field of water supply, irrigation, construction of roads, soil and conservation department and various other public works are pending since long. Jadhav was in the city to attend the installation ceremony of the new teams of office bearers of Builders’ Association of India Nagpur and Butibori centres. While speaking on the occasion he said, “The situation is so grave that some of the contractors are finding it difficult to make a daily living and manage their daily finances.”

 

He informed that Legal Notice is already served to the Government and BAI may approach the High Court if the issue is not resolved. On the occasion Chandrashekhar Rao, Vice President, BAI Western Zone and Jadhav installed the new teams led by Chairman Vilas Harde, Secretary Sudhir Paliwal Nagpur Centre, Chairman Nitin Salve, Secretary Ravindra Chouhan Butibori Centre and other office bearers. Manoj Deshmukh, State Secretary, Maharashtra, K Rajakumaran Nair - National Trustee – BAI, Rajendra Athawale – Past National Vice-President, BAI, Sunil Ulhe - Outgoing Chairman – Butibori, and Pramod Barai, Outgoing Chairman – Nagpur, were among the prominent persons present on occasion. Chandrashekhar Rao highlighted the aims and objectives of BAI which is an 80 years old association.

 

Rajendra Athawale emphasised the need for unity amongst builders and contractors specially to act as pressure groups before the Government. Sudhir Paliwal, new Secretary of the body, was assigned the task of preparing a road map for BAI. Outgoing Chairman of Nagpur and Butibori centres gave a report of activities undertaken during their term. Incoming chairman of Nagpur centre Vilas Harde raised the issue of unjust demand of NOC by NIT, increasing the limit of GST.