Asom Sena opposes hike in registration rates of contractors

HT Correspondent
Jorhat, Aug 12: Expressing deep resentment over the new revised increased registration rates
of contractors in the state public works department (roads), the Asom Sena has urged the
Assam government to withdraw the recent notification.
The notification was issued by the commissioner and special secretary of PWD Roads on August
8.
Addressing the media on Saturdat, Asom Sena chief convener Bijoy Shankar Bordoloi said, “We
oppose the government’s decision to increase the rates for registration in PWD (roads) as the
rates have increased manifold, which would severely impact the upcoming contractors.”
He cited that as per the revised rates contractors seeking registration for Class III and IV
categories, who earlier had to pay Rs 5000 and Rs 10,000 fees respectively, now will have to
pay Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively.
Bordoloi also pointed out that registration of contractors in the first class category now stands
between Rs one lakh to Rs five lakh.
“After every three years of registration the contractors will have to pay the registration fees
along with additional Rs 10,000 for applying for the same,”Bordoloi said.
He further pointed out that as per the new notification, those contractors who would not get
work allotment will not get a refund of the registration fees as the earlier provision of refund of
the fees to contractors if not allotted work has been done away with.
Terming the government’s move to hike the registration fees of the contractors and making it
non-refundable, Bordoloi further said, “This was against the interest of local small and middle
level contractors and a way to favour big parties. A large number of Assamese contractors and
workers engaged by them will be adversely affected.”
Urging the government to withdraw the notification of revised rates of registration the Asom
Sena also cautioned of undertaking democratic means of agitations by forming mass opinion in
this regard.
Asom Sena Central Committee Executive member Arup Puzari and leaders of Jorhat district unit
of the body were present on the occasion.