Maharashtra Contractors Threaten Street Protests Over ₹86,000 Crore Unpaid Dues; Seek ₹40,000–₹50,000 Crore Allocation

Thane, August 24, 2026: The Maharashtra State Contractors Federation has mounted a fierce attack against the state government over unpaid dues totaling Rs 86,000 crore, alleging that delayed disbursements over the last two years have pushed six debt-ridden contractors to suicide.

Addressing a press conference at the Thane Government Rest House, Federation State President Milind Bhosale slammed the administration for its apathy, questioning who bears responsibility for the tragic loss of lives.

Unpaid Dues Hit Key Departments

The pending payments affect key departments, including Public Works (PWD), Rural Development, the Jal Jeevan Mission, and Tribal Development. Representatives warned that the freeze has crippled the state's construction sector, the second-largest employer in Maharashtra after agriculture.

"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," said Milind Bhosale. "This indifference has directly claimed the lives of six contractors."

Federation Demands Higher Allocation

Following consultations with state leadership and financial advisory committees, a resolution framework is scheduled to launch on September 15, 2026 (Engineer's Day).

However, contractors argue that the government's proposed initial outlay of Rs 6,572 crore is far too meagre. The federation is demanding that the allocation be immediately scaled up to Rs 40,000–Rs 50,000 crore to clear at least 50% of the total outstanding dues across all categories.

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Mangesh Awale, Mumbai Division President, issued a sharp ultimatum regarding future action:

"We raised our voices during the budget session, but the government left us stranded. While we welcome the pilot framework, capping it at Rs 6,572 crore is unacceptable," said Mangesh Awale. "It must be expanded to cover all contractors. If the government fails to act, we will take this fight directly to the streets."

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