Contractors, Odisha govt officials clash over bills, contract allocation

High drama unfolded at the Works Department office in Bolangir district on Saturday following a heated confrontation between contractors and departmental staff over issues related to pending bills and allocation of contract work.

According to sources, a tense situation prevailed at the Works Department office in Bolangir after an argument between local contractors and employees escalated into a major verbal altercation. The dispute reportedly stemmed from allegations concerning the clearance of bills and the awarding of contract work.

Local contractors alleged that work in the district was being awarded to outside contractors, sidelining eligible local bidders. This allegation triggered strong reactions, leading to both groups confronting each other inside the office premises. Eyewitnesses said the exchange soon turned into a loud argument, creating chaos and panic in the area for some time.

Following the commotion, both parties approached the Town Police Station and lodged separate complaints against each other. Police have acknowledged receiving the complaints and are expected to initiate an inquiry into the matter.

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"Our Contractors' Union has decided that outside contractors should not be allowed to undertake work in our area. However, despite this decision, certain department employees are awarding contracts worth crores of rupees to outside contractors. When our local contractors approach the department seeking work opportunities, they are allegedly subjected to abusive language and disrespectful behaviour. Furthermore, it has been observed that large contracts are being deliberately split into smaller portions, and false bills are allegedly being generated," said a local contractor.