The Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) Contractors’ Association has launched an indefinite strike from Friday, alleging prolonged delays in the payment of pending bills. The association claims that many contractors have not received payments for work completed more than a year ago, causing severe financial hardship.
Contractors also alleged discriminatory practices in the clearance of bills and accused authorities of failing to address repeated representations. They warned that the strike could disrupt electricity maintenance and infrastructure works across Tripura. The association has demanded immediate release of pending payments and a transparent payment system.
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Key Facts
- State: Tripura
- Organisation: TSECL Contractors’ Association
- Issue: Delay in payment of contractors’ pending bills
- Strike: Indefinite strike from Friday
- Main Allegations: Long payment delays and discriminatory bill clearance
- Potential Impact: Electricity maintenance and infrastructure projects across the state
TSECL Contractors Begin Indefinite Strike
The Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) Contractors’ Association has announced an indefinite strike over the alleged non-payment of pending bills. The protest began on Friday after contractors claimed that repeated appeals to the authorities failed to resolve the issue.
According to the association, the prolonged payment delays have created serious financial difficulties for contractors working on electricity infrastructure and maintenance projects across the state.
Contractors Allege Long-Delayed Payments
Association leaders, while addressing the media in Agartala, said several contractors have waited for more than a year to receive payments for completed work.
They claimed that bills submitted before the Durga Puja festival last year remain unpaid. As a result, many contractors are struggling to manage day-to-day operations and fulfil financial commitments.
The association stated that delayed payments have made it difficult to pay workers’ wages, purchase construction materials, and continue executing public utility projects.
Allegations of Discriminatory Bill Clearance
The Contractors’ Association also alleged irregularities in the payment process.
According to the association, some contractors receive payments without significant delays, while many others continue to wait for long periods despite completing their assigned work.
Leaders claimed they had repeatedly raised these concerns with the Managing Director of TSECL, the Power Minister, the Chief Minister, and the Power Secretary. However, they alleged that the authorities have not taken effective steps to resolve the issue.
Contractors Claim Severe Financial Distress
General Secretary Swapan Das said contractors have submitted several representations highlighting their grievances.
He alleged that officials process payment files of certain contractors quickly, whereas many genuine contractors continue to face unexplained delays.
According to the association, individual contractors are reportedly awaiting payments ranging between ₹40 lakh and ₹50 lakh.
They further claimed that payment delays of one-and-a-half to two years have left many contractors unable to meet operational expenses, repay loans, or pay employees on time.
Earlier Assurances Did Not Resolve Issue
The association recalled that it had previously suspended a similar protest after TSECL management reportedly assured members that pending bills would be cleared.
However, contractors alleged that those assurances did not lead to meaningful action. Consequently, they decided to resume the agitation through an indefinite strike.
Association leaders said they would continue the protest until the authorities take concrete steps to release the pending payments.
Electricity Services Could Be Affected
The Contractors’ Association warned that the strike could affect electricity-related maintenance and infrastructure development projects across Tripura.
Many contractors execute repair works, network maintenance, and infrastructure projects for TSECL. Therefore, a prolonged strike may delay ongoing works and slow the implementation of new projects if the dispute remains unresolved.
The corporation has not yet issued an official response regarding the allegations made by the Contractors’ Association.
Question and Answer
What happened?
The TSECL Contractors’ Association launched an indefinite strike over alleged delays in the payment of pending bills.
Why are the contractors protesting?
They claim that payments have remained pending for up to two years and allege discrimination in the clearance of bills.
How much money is reportedly pending?
According to the association, individual contractors are awaiting payments of approximately ₹40 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
What could be the impact of the strike?
The protest may affect electricity maintenance, repair work, and infrastructure projects across Tripura.
What are the contractors demanding?
They want immediate clearance of pending bills, transparent payment procedures, and timely settlement of future payments.
Location Context
Tripura depends on the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) to maintain electricity distribution and power infrastructure across urban and rural areas. Therefore, any prolonged disruption involving contractors could affect maintenance work and infrastructure development, making a timely resolution important for the state’s power sector.
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