The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) on Monday rejected the Municipal Contractors’ Association’s demand for one-time payment of dues even as it promised the association that they would be cleared in monthly instalments.
The association had served a notice calling an indefinite strike from July 1, if the VMC failed to clear its dues, totalling nearly Rs. 32 crore, in one instalment. On Monday, VMC Chief Engineer M.A. Shukoor held a meeting with the association members and apprised them of the corporation’s limitations in making one-time payment, but the talks did not cut ice.
Later, Mayor Koneru Sridhar, too, called a meeting of contractors and urged them to withdraw their strike. The contractors told Mr. Sridhar that a final decision would be taken after their meeting with VMC Commissioner G. Veerapandian on Tuesday.
Municipal Contractors’ Association’s vice-president A. Ankeswara Rao said the union was firm on its strike call. “We have made things clear to the VMC. We would not withdraw our strike plans until all dues are paid. At the same time, we do not want to cause inconvenience to residents by going on strike,” Mr. Rao said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Veerapandian told contractors that clearing dues in one instalment was not feasible.
“Despite the difficult financial situation of the corporation, we have been paying them [contractors] regularly. In fact, last month, we paid Rs.1 crore. As and when we get funds, our top priority will be to clear dues of contractors,” he said. More than 200 projects, including road carpeting and drain de-siltation, are likely to come to a halt if the contractors go ahead with their strike.
Despite the difficullt financial situation of the corporation, we have been paying them [contractors] regularly. As and when we get funds, we will clear their dues.
G. Veerapandian
VMC Commissioner
