Contractors call off strike; Winter Session to remain in Nagpur
The threat looming over the upcoming Winter Session of the Maharashtra Legislature has finally lifted. Following a firm assurance from senior government officials, contractors have suspended their indefinite work boycott that had stalled pre-session preparations across Nagpur.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has promised to clear pending bills worth nearly ₹150 crore within this week — a commitment that persuaded contractors to resume work from Monday. With barely a month left, officials now face the challenge of completing all session-related projects in record time.
The standoff began on October 29, when contractors halted all work demanding payment for projects executed during the previous Winter Session. The strike had thrown preparations for the December 8 session into disarray, sparking speculation that the meeting could be shifted to Mumbai.
However, a late-night review meeting at Ravi Bhavan, chaired by PWD Secretary Sanjay Dashpute, confirmed that the payment files had been approved. Following the update, contractors agreed to resume operations.
On Monday, only about 20% of the stalled work restarted, but officials expect full-scale activity in the next two days.
Contractors’ association president Subodh Sarode warned that if payments are not released as promised, the work will stop again.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule dismissed all relocation rumors, asserting, “The Winter Session will be held in Nagpur as planned. Contractors’ dues will be paid — work must continue.”
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