Nearly three lakh contractors working on development projects across the state are planning a march to all district collector offices on March 10 to protest against the pending dues worth Rs90,000 crore. The state’s treasury is said to be empty due to the large expenditure on the Laadki Behen Yojana, leading to this financial issue.
The Maharashtra State Contractors Federation, the State Engineers’ Association, and the Builders Association of India, among others, have met with the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Public Works Minister at various levels, submitting petitions regarding the pending bills. However, as there was no response, a “work stoppage” movement began on February 5, 2025, and its impact is clearly visible across all districts of the state. The work stoppage movement has now lasted for over 20 days, but no concrete steps have been taken by the government.
On Friday, a meeting of contractors was held, during which it was decided to hold a march on March 10. The state budget session is set to begin, and it will be important to see what decisions the government makes regarding this issue.
Since the formal launch of Ladki Bahin scheme in July 2024, the state government has been disbursing approximately Rs3,700 crore monthly to 2.46 crore enrolled women. However, the substantial payouts under the scheme have created a financial strain across various government departments. This fund crunch has disrupted payments to civil contractors working with agencies such as the Public Works Department (PWD), Water Supply and Sanitation Department (WSSD), Rural Development Department, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), and other government bodies.
