From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Aug 30: The Ri-Bhoi Government Contractors and Suppliers Association (RBGCSA) has decided to oppose the alleged sidelining of local contractors in favour of outsiders during a meeting held in Nongpoh on Friday.
The meeting, attended by hundreds of contractors from across Ri-Bhoi, deliberated on the challenges faced by local contractors, particularly the shrinking opportunities as major government projects are reportedly awarded to contractors from outside the district.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, association vice president, Plielad Tiewsoh, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the discussions, noting that the gathering provided a platform to collectively address issues affecting contractors in the district.
He said the Association has resolved to strongly oppose the practice of awarding contracts to a single party without splitting large project packages, especially those worth crores of rupees, which often go to outsiders with political or bureaucratic connections. This, he added, has deprived many local contractors of work opportunities.
The association also raised objections against government servants doubling as contractors, thereby depriving genuine full-time contractors of opportunities.
Tiewsoh urged the government to put an immediate end to such practices.
Another major concern, he said, is the prolonged delay in releasing payments for completed works. While contractors with political patronage reportedly receive timely payments, others are left waiting for months.
To address these grievances, the association announced that it will soon submit a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, demanding that at least 80 percent of government works within Ri-Bhoi be reserved for local contractors.
The association also appealed to all five MLAs from the district to take up the issue seriously and safeguard the interests of local contractors.
