Bhubaneswar: To reform the state’s construction sector, the All-Odisha Contractors Welfare Association and the All-Odisha Contractors Association have jointly presented their a 10-charter recommendation to the state govt based on the outcome of the recently concluded Odisha Infrastructure Conclave 2024. The recommendations emerged from extensive discussions with policymakers, engineers and industry experts at the conclave and they included priority for Odisha contractors.
J Patra, president of the welfare association, in the presentation emphasised the struggles faced by local contractors due to outdated policies, delayed payments and limited opportunities. He urged the govt to take immediate steps to create a fair and transparent contracting ecosystem.
The associations’ delegation met works minister Prithiviraj Harichandan last Thursday, securing key assurances, including priority for Odisha contractors in project allocations and an increase in Class A license work size to Rs 25 crore. The minister also gave assurances of early land acquisition before project agreements and annual price schedule revision, with the rates being revised annually to reflect current market conditions and maintain financial stability in project execution.
“Local contractors are struggling with outdated policies and delayed payments. We need immediate govt intervention to create a fair and transparent contracting ecosystem. The infrastructure conclave was an apt platform to delve into the pressing issues,” Patra said.
The associations presented 10 key demands to the govt, including the promotion of indigenous growth and local contractor participation, reform of land acquisition processes, and discontinuation of below-cost bidding practices.
The associations also seek the establishment of standardised contract agreements, creation of a formal dispute resolution mechanism, streamlined extensions and approvals, timely release of performance security, and resolving royalty and minor mineral shortages.
“The works minister has promised to address these concerns through appropriate forums, focusing on completing land acquisition before project agreements and implementing annual price schedule revisions,” Patra said.
The associations’ leadership emphasised that these reforms would contribute to strengthening Odisha’s infrastructure development while ensuring sustainable growth for local contractors. “We are optimistic about the govt’s response to their demands,” he said.