Kotpad, March, 6: Protesting against the new decision taken by the state government regarding contract works in the state, the Kotpad Contractors’ Association has been staging a mass dharna (sit-in protest) in front of the Kotpad NAC office since the 20th. This movement has received support from almost all political parties, organizations, and individuals.
On Sunday, Kotpad MLA Rupu Bhatra visited the protest site of the Kotpad Contractors’ Association, which is being held following the call of the State Contractors’ Association, and held discussions with the contractors.
Regarding the eight-point charter of demands submitted by the contractors, Association President Prashant Pattnaik, Legal Advisor Srimanta Panda, Advisors Tapan Mahapatra, Umesh Brahma, Suren Mahanti, Sunil Das, along with other contractors, apprised the MLA of their concerns.
The MLA assured that he would discuss the demands of the Contractors’ Association with the concerned departmental minister and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and take appropriate steps.
He stated that while development works are ongoing in the state for a “Developed Odisha,” all contractors should resume work, complete all projects at the earliest, and cooperate in fulfilling the dream of developed villages and a developed Odisha. He also appealed to the contractors to withdraw from the protest.
After discussions with the State Association, all contractors agreed to consider the MLA’s request. Intellectuals have welcomed the MLA’s dialogue with the contractors and expressed hope that a way will be found to end the agitation.
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