The All Manipur Contractors Association Forum (AMCAF) has urged the Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj to expedite the tender evaluation process for Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) works and give due consideration to local companies while awarding work orders.
Addressing the media, AMCAF Convenor Thangjam Somarendra said state-based contractors had executed 1,913 roads and 211 bridges under PMGSY-I and PMGSY-II.
He alleged that the implementation of PMGSY-III remained pending despite the poor condition of several roads across Manipur. Somarendra also claimed that amendments to the Standard Bidding Document and clauses framed by the National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency in the Notice Inviting Tender had effectively prevented local contractors from participating in the bidding process.
AMCAF expressed concern that the works could be awarded to firms from outside the state. The forum noted that the technical evaluation of 96 road works under PMGSY-III, announced on July 31, was expected to be completed within five days but had not yet been declared.
Citing the deteriorating road condition across the state, the contractors’ forum urged the authorities to complete the tender process at the earliest and ensure due consideration for local contractors.
