1 week ago
Maharashtra Contractors Threaten Street Protests Over ₹86,000 Crore Dues
Maharashtra contractors say the state government has not paid ₹86,000 crore it owes them.
They say the unpaid money has caused serious problems for construction businesses.
The affected work includes roads, rural projects, water projects, and tribal development.
The contractors’ federation alleges that six contractors died by suicide after becoming heavily indebted.
The government has proposed an initial payment plan worth ₹6,572 crore.
The contractors say this amount is much too small.
They want ₹40,000–₹50,000 crore to clear at least half of the unpaid bills.
A resolution framework is scheduled to begin on September 15, 2026.
If the government does not increase the allocation, the contractors say they will protest in the streets.
Maharashtra contractors say the government owes ₹86,000 crore in delayed payments.
The dues affect Public Works, Rural Development, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Tribal Development projects.
The federation alleges that six debt-ridden contractors died by suicide amid payment delays.
Contractors reject the proposed ₹6,572 crore initial allocation as insufficient.
They are seeking ₹40,000–₹50,000 crore and threatening street protests if demands go unmet.
- Who
- The Maharashtra State Contractors Federation, led in the statements by Milind Bhosale and Mangesh Awale, is challenging the state government.
- What
- Contractors are demanding action on ₹86,000 crore in unpaid government dues and a larger allocation to settle them.
- Where
- The demands were raised at a press conference at the Thane Government Rest House in Maharashtra.
- When
- The dispute was reported on August 24, 2026; the proposed resolution framework is scheduled to launch on September 15, 2026.
- Why
- Contractors say payment delays over the past 18 months have created a crisis and that the proposed ₹6,572 crore allocation is inadequate.
Contractors’ position
State government’s proposed approach
Size of payment allocation
Contractors’ position
The federation says ₹6,572 crore is unacceptable and wants the allocation raised to ₹40,000–₹50,000 crore.
State government’s proposed approach
The state government has proposed an initial outlay of ₹6,572 crore.
Scope of the payment plan
Contractors’ position
Contractors want the framework expanded to cover all contractors and all categories of outstanding dues.
State government’s proposed approach
The reported framework is described as a pilot resolution plan, with no additional government position stated in the article.
Possible next action
Contractors’ position
Contractors say they will take the issue to the streets if the government fails to act.
State government’s proposed approach
The government’s reported response is the planned launch of the resolution framework on September 15, 2026.
Key facts
- Total unpaid dues
- ₹86,000 crore
- Proposed initial allocation
- ₹6,572 crore
- Contractors’ requested allocation
- ₹40,000–₹50,000 crore
- Requested coverage
- At least 50% of outstanding dues across all categories
- Affected departments
- Public Works, Rural Development, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Tribal Development
- Reported deaths
- The federation alleges that six debt-ridden contractors died by suicide
- Framework launch date
- September 15, 2026, identified as Engineer’s Day
Quotes
Milind Bhosale
State president of the Maharashtra State Contractors Federation
“Over the last eighteen months, the payment situation has turned critical. We have repeatedly submitted representations to the Chief Minister, but we haven't even been granted an appointment.”
freepressjournal.in
“It must be expanded to cover all contractors. If the government fails to act, we will take this fight directly to the streets.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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