Contractors submit charter of demands to PWD, seek tender reforms and timely payments

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

Uttarakhand registered contractors on Tuesday urged the Public Works Department (PWD) to introduce reforms in the tendering process, clear long-pending payments and simplify registration procedures, claiming that several existing provisions are affecting contractors and delaying development works.

The Uttarakhand Thekedar Sanyukt Jan Manch Samiti (UTSJMS) submitted a memorandum to the PWD chief engineer highlighting a range of financial and administrative issues faced by contractors across the State. UTSJMS president Sanjay Pokhriyal said that contractors play a key role in executing government projects but continue to face difficulties due to existing tender conditions and delayed payments.

Among its key demands, the committee wants the government to break big tenders into smaller jobs so small contractors can also apply. They also asked to give works up to Rs five crore through a simple bidding system and keep contracts up to Rs 10 crore only for people who live in Uttarakhand.  

Pokhriyal opposed adding extra rules to tenders. He said that these rules stop many people from applying and only help a few buyers. He asked for a fair and clear system where every contractor gets an equal chance.  

The memorandum further sought the immediate release of pending payments, including bills related to disaster works, annual maintenance works pending since 2021-22 and offline security deposits. The committee said that delayed payments have created financial stress for contractors and affected the execution of ongoing projects.

Pokriyal also demanded that the registration process be simplified by removing the mandatory requirement of permanent technical staff and solvency certificates. He proposed that contractor registrations remain valid for at least five years and be accepted across all State departments and public sector bodies. He further urged the department to restore the earlier system for granting time extensions, approving variation and extra items and to provide interest on delayed bill payments after completion of works.

Other demands included exemption from paying royalty on mining material purchased from authorised stockyards, amendments to GPW-9 and standard bidding document provisions, removal of experience criteria in tenders, insurance cover for labourers and machinery engaged in disaster works, timely settlement of dues in case of a contractor’s death, dedicated seating space for contractors in PWD offices, ensuring funds are available before inviting tenders and increasing the participation of local contractors in centrally funded projects.