"Pay MLAs 10% first, then take the contract" – Contractors launch a scathing attack on corruption at the Kolhapur convention
Kolhapur/Yavatmal: Pravin Umbarkar, President of the Yavatmal District Contractors' Welfare Association, has made a serious allegation: for government projects, a total of 56% of the amount must be distributed as 'cuts'—10% to MLAs, another 10% for 'Saheb's' (officials') expenses after GST, and 5% to get the bill passed. Speaking from the dais at the Maharashtra State Government Contractors' Grand Convention held in Kolhapur on June 14, he fiercely criticized this 'unofficial culture' of corruption. His statement has caused a stir across Maharashtra.
Umbarkar said, "If you want to take up government work, first pay 10% to the MLA; once the work is secured, pay 18% GST; then another 10% for the official's expenses and 5% to get the bill cleared... a total of 56% goes just towards these percentages. How, then, can the quality of work be maintained with the remaining 34%?" He also issued a direct warning: "Stop taking bribes."
According to the contractors, work used to be awarded based on established criteria, but now a web of 'percentage-based' demands has spread from the allocation of work to the final payment of bills. Allegations were also made regarding the formation of a 'lobby' comprising retired officials linked to the ruling party and close associates of MLAs.
Pending payments and the contractors' plight:
Payments worth ?85,000 to ?96,000 crore are pending across the state's Public Works, Water Supply, and Water Conservation departments. In Yavatmal district alone, payments amounting to ?1,300 crore are stalled. Many contractors are burdened with debts of ?8–10 crore, and with wage payments delayed, laborers from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Bengal are returning to their home states. Fears are being expressed that this situation could bring work to a standstill. Preparing for Agitation:
Contractors have approached the Nagpur High Court; although the court has issued notices, the government has not yet filed a counter-affidavit. A resolution was passed during the meeting stating that no new tenders would be submitted until all pending dues are cleared. Pravin Umbarkar confirmed this while speaking to *Loksatta*.
This matter has sparked discussions in political and administrative circles, dealing a significant blow to the government, which claims to champion a corruption-free administration.
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