Shillong, Dec 23: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) legislator from North Shillong Adelbert Nongrum has asked state government to address the backlog of unpaid contractors’ bills, emphasising the vital role the contractors play in the state’s development.
Speaking to the journalists on Tuesday, Nongrum wanted the government to address the repeated grievances expressed by contractors.
“We have seen contractors express their grievances from time to time, so I take this opportunity to urge the present government to take steps and provide special consideration for them—not only in my constituency but in others—as they are part and parcel of those contributing to the growth of the state,” he said.
Nongrum said his remarks were not intended as a criticism of any specific department, but rather as a constructive appeal to prevent future issues.
“I am not holding that department accountable, and we cannot just presume, but these are the things that I understand, and I will raise such issues in the House so that this does not create a precedent.”
Nongrum’s statement underscores the broader concern among elected representatives about timely payments to contractors, which are seen as essential for sustaining infrastructure projects and maintaining economic momentum across Meghalaya.
There were reports of delayed disbursements affecting several construction and development projects in the region, prompting calls for a more efficient payment mechanism.
