Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Karnataka Contractors Threaten Commission Documents Over Unpaid Dues
A group representing contractors in Karnataka says the government still owes them a large amount of money.
The group estimates the unpaid bills at nearly Rs 38,000 crore.
It says around 1.5 lakh contractors may be affected.
The contractors say some bills have been unpaid since 2021-22.
Their leader, R. Manjunath, warned that they may publish documents about alleged commission demands.
He said this would happen if the bills are not paid by November.
The group also alleged that politicians interfere in contract work.
These allegations have not been independently verified in the available report.
The Karnataka State Contractors Association says nearly Rs 38,000 crore in government payments remains pending.
The association claims about 1.5 lakh contractors have been affected, with some dues dating to 2021-22.
Association president R. Manjunath warned that documents about alleged commission practices would be released if payments are not cleared by November.
Manjunath alleged that legislators increasingly intervene in contract works and that contractors must approach local MLAs before starting projects.
The association says Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar promised on June 30 that dues would be cleared within two months, but payments have not been released.
- Who
- The Karnataka State Contractors Association, led by president R. Manjunath, and the Karnataka government.
- What
- Contractors warned that they would release documents about alleged commission practices if pending government bills are not cleared.
- When
- The association set a deadline of November and referred to a June 30 meeting; it said a promised two-month payment period has passed.
- Where
- Karnataka, including government departments and contract works overseen locally.
- Why
- The association says nearly Rs 38,000 crore in contractor payments remains unpaid and alleges that promised clearances did not occur.
- Claimed unpaid amount
- Nearly Rs 38,000 crore
- Estimated affected contractors
- Around 1.5 lakh
- Oldest cited dues
- Dating back to 2021-22
- Disclosure deadline
- November
- Association president
- R. Manjunath
- Referenced government meeting
- Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar met representatives on June 30
- Verification status
- The commission, political-intervention and fund-diversion allegations were not independently verified in the available report