The All Odisha Contractors’ Association held a meeting here on Wednesday reminding the State Government about its demands, fulfilment of which has been assured by December 31.
The association alleged that while the Government is showing favour to the contractors from outside the State by allowing them to take work order by 100% to 300% over the cutoff rate, the Odisha contractors have to do it at less than 14.99%.
Association president Pravat Dash said the Government has not revised the schedule rate of 2014. Though the Odisha contractors are taking work orders at the rates fixed, they have no other alternative and are suffering huge losses.
Besides the contractors’ losses, this practice has also posed a threat to livelihood of about one crore people who earn their daily bread by working with the contractors.
The association also protested a recent order, as per which the contractors have to submit transit passes and royalty receipts with the Works Department for the construction materials they would use.
The association has decided to oppose the outside construction firms and demanded that all works being carried out in the State be allotted to the contractors of the State only.