The Kerala Government Contractors’ Association, welcoming the move to implement norms of the Union Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways for public works, has demanded that the PWD rates and procedures too should be modified accordingly.
Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Association president Varghese Kannampally said works could be taken forward only if allied procedures and rates were modified. At the same time, the cooperation of workers’ unions and the total stoppage of practices like ‘nokku kooli’ would have to be ensured.
Stating that the Government should interfere to ensure raw materials including cement and steel at contract rates directly from companies for all Government construction projects, Mr. Kannampally said the Government would have to look at procuring cement and steel in the old quota system if dealers objected to the contract rate system.
Also calling for ensuring e-filing along with e-payment of PW bills, which would be in vogue in the State from March 15, Mr. Kannampally said contracts should be accepted or rejected within a month of tendering.
