In a major reprieve to Andhra Pradesh’s thousands of small-scale contractors, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has sanctioned the release of ₹2,000 crore in pending payments. The funds, which were pending for years under the former YSRCP government, would now be released, providing much-needed financial support to contractors who had executed government works but were unpaid and left in the lurch.
For more than 17,000 marginal contractors, who depend on government projects for their livelihood, the recent years have been nothing less than a nightmare. Even after doing their work with utmost care, the YSRCP administration did not pay them their dues, leaving many in serious financial trouble. Despite all these contractors asking for legal action and the High Court decreeing in their favor, instructing the government to make the payments, the erstwhile regime turned a deaf ear to the orders. Rather than hearing their plaints, the YSRCP regime took the extra step of filing cases against them based on purported irregularities in their work.
Following his takeover, CM Chandrababu Naidu did not waste any time in resolving the problem. A strict audit and verification process was initiated to check the quality of work, and it was established that the projects were executed according to standards without any malpractices. On analyzing these reports, the TDP government took the bold step of releasing all delayed payments to contractors who had been unjustly denied their payment.
On Sunday evening, Chandrababu Naidu formally authorized the release of ₹2,000 crore and directed Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav to get the payments processed with priority at the earliest.
Aided by his staff, Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav labored overnight to get the process going so that the contractors are paid on time without any further delays. He ordered officials to initiate clearing of pending bills immediately so that at least 50% of the contractors can be paid from Monday onwards.
This move has been welcomed with general relief and gratitude by contractors who had lost all hope of getting their hard-earned money. Several of them conveyed their sincere thanks to CM Chandrababu Naidu for rescuing them at the hour of need.
Some contractors remembered how they had taken massive loans to finish government projects, only to end up in financial distress when their bills were not paid by the last administration. Now that their dues are being settled, they can finally pay back their loans, keep their businesses running, and secure financial security for their families.
This action is being celebrated as a bold initiative towards equitable and transparent governance, reasserting the TDP government’s pledge for justice and economic stability. In contrast to the earlier government that conveniently ignored the issue of small-time contractors, Chandrababu Naidu’s firm action demonstrates his commitment to backing hardworking people who are responsible for the development of the state.
By settling long-pending financial issues, the Andhra Pradesh government has gone a long way in building trust and facilitating easy business for small contractors, thereby eventually boosting the economic growth of the state.