By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 5: Organisations of contractors in Meghalaya have urged the state government to reform the existing tendering system, arguing that the practice of issuing large tender packages lacks transparency and sidelines small local contractors.
The demand was put forward during separate meetings with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who oversees the PWD.
Leaders of the Ri-Bhoi Government Contractor and Suppliers’ Association (RBGCSA) told reporters on Thursday that delays in payment of bills and the dominance of big contractors in large tender packages have created severe hardships for small firms.
The association’s president, Plielad Tiewsoh, said they have asked the government to break down mega tenders into smaller components to ensure equitable competition.
He noted that earlier, the Chief Engineer, Superintending Engineer and Executive Engineer were empowered to call tenders, allowing wider participation. “Only wealthy individuals can bid for large packages, and this practice marginalises small contractors,” Tiewsoh said.
He added that the Deputy CM assured them that the matter would be examined seriously and that the government is considering reinstating the earlier tendering system and shifting to open tenders for all works.
The association also stressed the need to ban “close tenders,” alleging that the practice fuels favouritism. They demanded that all tenders be issued only through official notifications to ensure transparency.
Earlier, the RBGCSA, during their meeting with Water Resources Minister Metbah Lyngdoh, raised concerns over unpaid bills under the Water Resources Department and the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
Tiewsoh said payments are irregular, with bills cleared only once in March. The Deputy CM reportedly assured them that he would bring the JJM payment delay to the attention of officials in Delhi.
The association further protested a Rs 27-crore Soil Conservation tender awarded to a single contractor, urging authorities to halt the work. They have approached the District Soil Officer and informed Tynsong.
The All Meghalaya Contractor and Suppliers’ Association (AMCSA) also met Tynsong with similar concerns. Its president, Precious Syiem, alleged that the creation of large packages is driven by vested interests, preventing small contractors from participating even in state-funded schemes.
He added that delayed bill clearance, often around December 22 or 23, which coincides with holidays, results in payments being released only in January, affecting contractors during the festive season.
The Deputy CM assured that he would speak with the Finance Department to expedite bill disbursement.
The AMCSA also objected to the proposed relocation of the Central Division office from Barik to Madanriting, saying heavy traffic congestion would inconvenience officers, staff, and contractors.
The group highlighted a 2012 court case in which the clubbing of schemes was reversed, reducing package sizes from over Rs 40 crore to around Rs 3 crore, enabling small contractors to compete.
Syiem urged the government to follow this model in both state and central schemes. Tynsong promised to hold a meeting on the issue and examine possible segregation of tenders, while noting that modifications to centrally funded projects are more challenging.
Both associations said that they expect timely action and warned that if commitments are not fulfilled, they will consider alternative options.
